Facts for New Athletes

Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training & athletic competition for individuals with mental retardation or cognitive delays. The first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier field in Chicago in 1968. Since that time, Special Olympics chapters have been established in all 50 states & approximately 150 countries. For almost 40 years PTOEC has been a proud participant in Illinois Special Olympics. From the first Track & Field competition, to the present offering of eight different sports, PTOEC continues to serve approximately 100 special athletes in the Belleville area. For more information or if you are interested in joining, please call: Darla Klaus, 234-1541

What is required before participating?

Physicals: Physicals are required to participate in Special Olympics. Click here to for a physical form. Older forms will not be accepted.

This form should be completed by you & your doctor & then mailed to:
Darla Klaus 27 South 37th Street Belleville, IL 62226
PTOEC also has an information form for each new athlete, to be completed by a parent or adult family member.

What does it cost? There is no charge for an individual to participate in Special Olympics.PTOEC, however, requires an annual $25 membership fee to pay for additional amenities provided to the athletes, including select training sites, uniforms, transportation to summer games as well as meals & lodging at summer games.

Who can participate? Anyone with mental retardation or cognitive delays between the ages 8 & 21 may join PTOEC Special Olympics. Athletes who reach the age of 22, & who are already members of the organization, may continue to participate as long as they wish, however they must participate in at least one sport per year.

Are the athletes chaperoned? Parental & family support of all athletic activities is encouraged. The usual chaperone to athlete ratio is 1:4, however special exceptions may be made for wheelchair athletes, or others requiring 1:1 supervision. Athletes are never left unsupervised.

Are there arrangements for transportation? Parents or other family members are responsible for getting the athlete to practices, & to local or area competitions. Van transportation from a designated pickup point is provided for athletes for any activities that require an overnight stay.

Where are practices held? Practice session for all sports are held in various locations around the Belleville area.

Are uniforms required? PTOEC provides uniforms for all team sports. Athletes are also provided with a PTOEC t-shirt to be worn for all sporting events when uniforms are not required.

When do we play? All sports offer local, district or regional competition where athletes can qualify to attend state Special Olympics competitions.

Basketball: November through January, State Tournament: Third weekend in March

Volleyball: July through September

Swimming: January through June, State Tournament: Summer Games (Usually third weekend in June)

Gymnastics: January through April, State Tournament: Summer Games (Usually third weekend in June)

Soccer: March through June, State Tournament: Summer Games (Usually third weekend in June)

Bocce Ball: February through April, State Tournament: Summer Games (Usually third weekend in June)

Track & Field: March through June, State Tournament: Summer Games (Usually third weekend in June)

Golf: (To be announced)

Baseball: July through September

Bowling: June through August, State Tournament: First weekend in December