Soldier Field hosts opening ceremony for Special Olympics Spring Games

Monday's rain couldn't dampen the spirits of thousands of athletes who took over Soldier Field. It was the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics Spring Games.

• May 8, 2023

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to honor Special Olympics basketball champions

We showed you the celebration earlier this week, as De La Salle Institute and Southside Occupational Academy celebrated their unified team division two state championship.

• Apr 21, 2023

State of Illinois honoring Special Olympics basketball athletes

We showed you the celebration earlier this week, as De La Salle Institute and Southside Occupational Academy celebrated their unified team division two state championship.

• Apr 21, 2023

South Side team featuring Special Olympics athletes wins state basketball title

It's part of the Unified Champion Schools program that merges the two student communities together on and off the field.

• Apr 19, 2023

Thousands brave frigid Lake Michigan waters for Polar Plunge

The estimated $2 million raised during Sunday's Polar Plunge will go tward all of the programming and competitions put on by Special Olympics Chicago every year.

• Mar 6, 2023

Thousands will brave frigid waters during 2023 Chicago Polar Plunge

Participants will head to North Avenue Beach to take park in the 23rd annual event - benefiting the Special Olympics - at 10 a.m.

• Mar 5, 2023

Chicago and Cook Co. officials get dunked to raise money for Special Olympics

The chilly weather isn't stopping Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart and Alderman Matt O'Shea (19th) from diving in for a good cause.

• Feb 7, 2023

Hoffman Estates junior high school to be honored by Special Olympic Illinois

The junior high is a "Special Olympics unified champion school" that provides inclusive sports and activities to students with and without disabilities.

• Dec 16, 2022

Chicago's Oscar DePries Elementary now designated as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School

"A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff."

• Oct 27, 2022

'Cop on a Rooftop' again benefits Special Olympics Illinois

For those who helped out with a donation, they received a coupon for a free donut.

• Aug 19, 2022

Streaming with Brad: Special Olympics Ducky Derby

Seventy-five thousand rubber duckies were launched into the Chicago River today to benefit the Special Olympics. What's better than a duck dump?

• Aug 4, 2022

75,000 rubber ducks go for swim in Chicago River in annual Ducky Derby

This year's Ducky Derby raised more than $330,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

• Aug 4, 2022

"It's awesome to see these kids compete": Gymnasts in Wheeling prepare for Special Olympics Games in Orlando, Florida

Around 100 Illinois athletes are preparing to head to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games.

• Jun 3, 2022

Special Olympics summer games kick off in Eckersall Stadium

Long jump, shot put, races and more are all part of the Special Olympics Illinois regional games taking place in Chicago through Wednesday.

• May 9, 2022

Soldier Field hosts opening ceremony for Special Olympics

Special Olympics began in Illinois, with the first games at Soldier Field in 1968.

• May 5, 2022

Special Olympics returns with opening ceremony at Soldier Field

More than 1,500 athletes will parade onto the field to the cheers of coaches, family members, and fans.

• May 5, 2022