MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (April 29, 2019) — Families, volunteers, and spectators are invited to cheer on all Special Olympics Illinois athletes as they compete in the 2019 Region F Spring Games. The annual event takes place on Saturday, May 4, 10AM–4PM. Region F Spring Games is hosted by Sunnylane Athletic Field (438 S Sunnylane, Monmouth, Illinois.).
Approximately 400 athletes are expected to compete in athletics (track and field), the most popular of 18 sports offered by Special Olympics Illinois.
All athletes will march in the parade of athletes and recite the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The running of the torch with the “Flame of Hope” and the lighting of the cauldron signifies the opening of the games.
Athletes will compete in the 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 meter races, standing and running long-jumps; shot-put; mini-javelin; tennis and softball-throw; 100-, 400-, and 800-meter walk-races; wheelchair-competitions; and assisted races.
To compete in the Special Olympics Illinois Region F Spring Games, athletes must train for eight weeks. Athletes who win a gold medal at the Region F games qualify to compete in the Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games; which is held June 7-9, 2019; on the Illinois State University campus in Normal, Illinois. More than 4,000 athletes from around the state are expected to compete in Summer Games.
Interested in Volunteering at Region F Games? Volunteers are still needed. Please visit: http://cerv.is/m?0117x3323 to learn more and register or contact Cathy Betar 309-734-5903, cbetar@soill.org.
About Special Olympics Illinois Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 17,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills, and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering, or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
