Special Olympics Illinois

Unified champion schools:in 2024 unified champion schools has impacted over 400 schools providing programming opportunities in 3 component areas including unified sports, youth leadership and whole school engagement. Throughout the year we saw the results of two successful state-wide digital engagement events: the hybrid youth activation summit and the end of the playvs unified esports leagues. Unified sports competitions were hosted on various levels for esports, bocce, bags and bowling. The growth in special olympics ihsa unified sports has grown with track, dance, and bass fishing and basketball, with basketball increasing from 20 teams in 2023 to 38 in 2024. College initiatives and involvement has increased and the growth of the college inclusion council has made a huge impact. Youth activation and youth leadership opportunities across the state have continued to develop and professional development has been offered on all levels. A very successful school wide/community wide campaigns were offered during respect week. The cool school plunges grew this year from 18 to 39 throughout the state.

2024 state events :in 2024, a total of 10 state-level competiton events were held for 17 different sports. 7019 athletes, 2507 coaches and 192 unified partners competed at these events. Heathly athlete initiatives grew and incorporate heathly eating habits, special smiles (dentistry) and healthy hearing. At winter, summer and fall games, there are healthy athlete stations where athletes can participate if they were unable to do so at any event in their region.