Special Olympics Summer Games to focus on athlete experience

Posted on June 8, 2017
Special Olympics Illinois
An estimated 4,200 athletes will compete in the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Bloomington-Normal this weekend. (Photo courtesy Special Olympics)

By Eric Stock

NORMAL – Thousands of athletes from throughout Illinois converge on Bloomington-Normal this weekend for the Special Olympics State Summer games.

Special Olympics Illinois CEO Dave Breen said he wants this to be a weekend the athletes and their families will never forget.

“We are very excited about some new things planned,” Breen said. “We really want to improve the athlete experience.”

He said that will include a new choreography production as part of Friday night’s Opening Ceremonies at Hancock Stadium.

Athletes will also fill the streets of Uptown Normal for a ‘Victory’ dance on Saturday night.

“They close the streets for us and it’s really a street festival dance for the athletes. We have approximately 2,500 to 3,000 of the 4,200 athletes that come.”

The events kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday with the dedication of the new Special Olympics Illinois sign outside the headquarters in Normal which was donated by Knights of Columbus.

Hundreds of police officers from throughout the state will carry a torch into Redbird Arena ahead of Opening Ceremonies.

Special Olympics is also offering a series of health screenings for its athletes all weekend at Redbird Arena. Athletes will compete in one of six sports; aquatics, track and field, bocce, gymnastics, power lifting and soccer. Breen is also putting out a call for volunteers to help during Saturday’s events.

This is the 40th year the summer games have been held at ISU.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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