Calling all aspiring athletes with disabilities! Illinois is more than just cornfields and skyscrapers – it's a haven for adaptive athletics, offering incredible opportunities for people of all abilities to push their limits, have fun, and compete! Here you’ll find information on some of the organizations and events in Illinois for you or your child to participate in or volunteer your support!
Challenge Yourself with Adaptive Sports:
- Show Your True Colors at the Special Olympics: The Special Olympics Illinois torch burns bright, offering year-round training and competition in a variety of sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Form lifelong friendships, build confidence, and experience the joy of competition in a truly inclusive environment. Find out more: soill.org
- More than just sports with GLASA's Programs: The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) is a champion for adaptive athletics, providing opportunities for athletes with visual and physical disabilities in more than 20 sports. Compete in track and field, wheelchair football and basketball, swimming, and other exciting sports with a supportive community. Macaroni KID Schaumburg Publisher, Kari Treat, is a swim coach and instructor for GLASA too! Learn more: glasa.org
- Try the Impossible with Dare2Tri: Think a triathlon isn't for you? Think again! Dare2Tri empowers athletes of all abilities to participate in endurance events with specially designed equipment and a supportive team. Push your boundaries and experience the thrill of crossing that finish line! Visit their website: dare2tri.org
- Reach New Heights with Synergy Adaptive Athletics: Synergy is empowering people with physical disabilities to live life to the fullest through inclusive sports programs. Outdoor adventures also include rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, geocaching, aerial course adventures, skiing and more! Research shows participation in sports leads to employment opportunities, healthier lifestyles, and greater life satisfaction, so get ready to explore: synergyaa.org
 Image from GLASA Great Lakes Games 2023 taken by Kari Treat |
Where Innovation Meets Inspiration:
- Unleash Your Potential at ShirleyRyan AbilityLab: This groundbreaking facility is more than a hospital – it's a hub for rehabilitation and innovation. ShirleyRyan AbilityLab offers cutting-edge programs and technologies to help individuals with physical disabilities reach their full potential. Explore their life-changing programs: www.sralab.org/services/adaptive-sports-fitness-program
- Join the NuCrew with Nubability Athletics: Nubability Athletics is breaking barriers for people with limb differences. Their inclusive fitness programs and camps empower participants to develop strength, confidence, and a love for movement. Be a part of this inspiring community: nubability.org
- Nature is Calling you to the Forest Preserves: The Forest Preserves of Cook County welcomes everyone! There's adaptive recreation events on the calendar and you can contact your local Nature Center 3 days in advance for accessibility needs from outdoor activities to camping. Check in for all of the accessible adventures: fpdcc.com
- The Second City is Second to None for Inclusion with the Chicago Park District: The Chicago Park District has a long and proud history of inclusion. Since 1965, they've been at the forefront of providing accessible recreation opportunities, even playing a key role in the birth of the Special Olympics in 1968! Today, they offer a variety of programs and resources to ensure everyone in Chicago can enjoy the benefits of parks and recreation: chicagoparkdistrict.com
- Learn to love life on the water with Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program: This adaptive program includes classroom and on-water instruction in Chicago for the physically disabled. Races are held over the summer for those sailors with a competitive spirit. Or check out their leisure cruises on Lake Michigan including a dockside lunch over the summer! The water awaits: juddgoldmansailing.org/
Find Your Local Champion: Special Recreation Associations
Scattered throughout Illinois are 199 park districts and municipalities who are serving their residents through a Special Recreation Association (SRA) – local organizations dedicated to providing inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. These amazing groups offer a variety of adaptive athletic programs, from sports leagues to therapeutic recreation activities. Find your local SRA and discover a world of possibilities: specialrecreation.org
Show Your Support Through Volunteering and Donating
Illinois' vibrant adaptive athletics scene thrives not only on the dedication of its athletes, but also on the incredible support of volunteers and generous donors. These programs could not run without the coaches and support staff that keep the wheels turning! Check in with the programs - most of which are 501(c)(3) non-profits - to see how you can be a part of this inclusive programming.
Annual Events For - and in Support of - Adaptive Athletes and Athletics (2024 Dates Listed Below-Keep an eye out for future dates!)
February 24, 2024 | Life Time Indoor Triathlon by Dare2Tri | Lake Zurich, IL
March 3, 2024 | Special Olympics Polar Plunge | Multiple Locations in IL
June 7-9, 2024 | Special Olympics Summer Games | Bloomington-Normal, IL
June 9, 2024 | Lurie Children's Move For Kids Walk | Chicago & Elk Grove
June 13-16, 2024 | GLASA Great Lakes Games | Lake Forest, IL
June 20-23, 2024 | Camp No Limits | Lake Forest, IL
June 21-23, 2024 | Abilities Expo | Schaumburg, IL
June 29-30, 2024 | Ray Graham Association Annual Horse Show for Riders with Disabilities | Lisle, IL
July 17-21, 2024 | Nubability All Sports Camp | Du Quoin, IL
July 23-24, 2024 | Kids Tri Camp by Dare2Tri | Chicago, IL
August 2-4, 2024 | Learn2Tri Camp by Dare2tri | Pleasant Prairie, WI
August 5-9, 2024 | GLASA Camp Trek | Green Oaks, IL
August 13-15, 2024 | Valor Games Midwest | Multiple Locations in Chicago, IL
September 21-22, 2024 | DisFest | Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
Beyond the Games: A Welcoming Community
Illinois isn't just about the events and tourism – it's about the welcoming environment where athletes with disabilities can thrive. From accessible park districts to supportive communities, Illinois offers everything you need to excel in adaptive athletics.
Ready to take the plunge? Research these amazing programs, pack your athletic spirit, and head to Illinois – where adaptive athletics take center stage!
This article was a collaboration by Macaroni KID Publishers throughout the state of Illinois
Find your community's local page here: Choose Your Town
