Special Olympics Summer Games This Weekend, Torch Run Headed Out Today

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Published on June 15 2022 9:25 am
Last Updated on June 15 2022 9:25 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Special Olympics Illinois athletes from across the state will compete in the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games from Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19 in Normal. The weekend of competition is held mainly at Illinois State University (ISU), with some additional competition held at Kingsley Junior High School and Normal Community High School.

(A GROUP SHOT OF SPECIAL OLYMPIANS, TORCH RUNNERS AND OTHERS IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY JUST BEFORE THE TORCH RUN LEFT EFFINGHAM WEDNESDAY MORNING)

More than 2,500 athletes and Unified partners are competing in seven different sports, along with more than 1,000 coaches, 1,000 volunteers, and 10,000 family members. Summer Games is the largest of 13 state sports competitions held throughout the year. This is the first Summer Games back in person since 2019.

The weekend of activities is preceded by Torch Runs from every part of the state, leading to the Summer Games. The Torch Run leaving from Effingham headed out about 8am today from the lawn of the Courthouse Museum downtown. The Illinois State Police head up the Torch Runs. District 12 State Police troopers were joined by Effingham County Sheriff's Department and Effingham City Police Department officers for the start of this leg leading to Bloomington-Normal.

A large contingent of Special Olympics athletes from our area were on hand and carried the torch around much of the Courthouse square before the law enforcement officers making the run began traveling the leg to Mattoon. From there, the journey will continue to this weekend's Summer Games.

The Opening Ceremony begins with the Parade of Athletes and Honorary Coaches into ISU's Hancock Stadium on Friday at 8pm. The ceremony concludes with the entry of the final leg of the Torch Run. 

Some events begin competition on Friday afternoon, and events continue all day Saturday and on Sunday morning. A special celebration time is scheduled Friday evening, along with a families tailgate picnic on Saturday afternoon.

This is the first Summer Games back in person since 2019.