Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training and 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 and approximately 150 countries. For almost 40 years PTOEC has been a proud participant in Illinois Special Olympics. From the first Track and 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 see your child's physical due date. Click here to for a physical form. Please note, this form was updated April 2008. Older forms will not be accepted.

This form should be completed by you and your doctor and 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 and lodging at summer games.

Who can participate?

Anyone with mental retardation or cognitive delays between the ages 8 and 21 may join PTOEC Special Olympics. Athletes who reach the age of 22, and 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 and 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, and 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 – January, State Tournament: Third weekend in March

Volleyball: August — October

Swimming: January – June, State Tournament: Summer Games (Third weekend in June)

Gymnastics: January – April, State Tournament: Summer Games (Third weekend in June)

Soccer: March – June, State Tournament: Summer Games (Third weekend in June)

Bocce Ball: March – June, State Tournament: Summer Games (Third weekend in June)

Track and Field: April – June, State Tournament: Summer Games (Third weekend in June)

Baseball: July – September

Bowling: July – September, State Tournament: Third weekend in November