The free 41st Annual Spring Games takes place May 5 – 8, 2009. Over 2700 athletes will compete in Track and Field events, joined by over 900 Coaches and Chaperones and nearly 500 volunteers each day! The Special Olympics provides year round sports training and competitions in a variety of Olympic type sports for children (ages 8 & over) and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other athletes and the community.
Special Children’s Charities is the fundraising co-sponsor of Special Olympics Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Park District in cooperation the Chicago Public Schools and Illinois Special Olympics.
The Opening Ceremonies takes place on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Soldier Field, beginning at 10am. Opening Ceremonies will feature the Parade of Athletes, featuring athletes from 100 agencies from all over the city of Chicago.
The competition takes place Wednesday – Friday, May 6-8, 2009 at Eckersall Stadium, 2423 East 82nd Street in Chicago. Athletes will compete in the following events:
– Running Events
50M, 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M
– Relays
4 x 100M, 4 x 400M
– Walking Events
100M, 400M, 800M, 4 x 100M Racewalk
– Assisted Events
10M, 25M, 50M
– Non-Motorized Wheelchair Events
25M, 30M Slalom, 100M, 200M
– Motorized Wheelchair Events
30M, 50M
– Wheelchair Relays
4 x 25M (Non-Motorized, Motorized, Combo)
– Field Events
Running Long Jump, Standing Long Jump, High Jump, Softball Throw,
Tennis Ball Throw, Shot Put
– Penathlon
Please come out to cheeer on these amazing athletes!
For more information visit www.sochicago.org or www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
