You're invited to the Spring Games Opening Ceremonies!

Join us for this year's Spring Games Opening Ceremonies

Friday, May 3 • 9:45 AM–12:45 PM • Soldier Field

Spring Games are the biggest athletic event of the year, and we're going to start them off with a special celebration on Friday, May 3 at Soldier Field. The Opening Ceremonies celebrate our athletes with an athlete parade, words of encouragement from city dignitaries, and the lighting of the cauldron to officially kick off a week of track and field competitions. All are invited and we hope to see you there!

The BTN Big 10k and 5k is back

We are excited to once again be the charity partner for this year's BTN Big 10k and 5k! This fun race is on Sunday, July 13 and kicks off at Soldier Field. We'll be there and we want to be a part of it!

Athletes in Action

Our athletes have had a busy month with tons of exciting activities, classes, competitions, and events. Check out some highlights of their fun and accomplishments.

Athletes attend UIC Softball Game

We want to give a special shout out to the UIC Girl’s Softball team for having us as their special guests at their double header on April 6. Nicole Flores from Shabbona Park sang the National Anthem and Avery Holmes from Bessemer Park threw out the first pitch. 150 athletes, coaches, and family members joined in the fun! The UIC girls softball program volunteers regularly at competitions, so it was awesome to cheer them on in return!

Cooking with SOC/SCC

We have been busy in the kitchen this month cooking up a storm! On April 7, our athletes learned to make chicken quesadillas and homemade guacamole! On April 22, they made butternut squash mac & cheese with a kale chickpea salad.

Thank you to Chef Jared from Urban Gateways for teaching us to make healthy and delicious meals!

Roller Skating Party

Check out this super fun special event! The Chicago Park District held a Roller Skating Party for 60 participants at MLK Skating Rink on March 23. Athletes were able to learn to skate and have fun with their friends. We're looking forward to another one in May!

Swimming Competition

On March 30, 144 athletes hit the pool at McGuane Park for a Swimming competition! Athletes from Chicago Park District programs, Chicago Public Schools, and other agencies around the city competed. Congratulations to everyone!

Improv with Second City

Last week athletes at Independence Park and McGuane Park spent time learning improv with Second City! Improv is just one of the great creative and performing arts activities that we love offering to our participants!

Spring Family Opportunities

The weather is warming up and the Chicago Park District is offering some fun weekly activities for athletes and their families. Don't miss opportunities for golf, indoor rowing, and bowling!

See the full schedule

Are you a Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities athlete who wants to join our classes and activities?

Join our list

Athlete Artwork Feature

Our April Artwork is called "Swimming Competition" by Ashley Reed of Bessemer Park. Ashley shows the determination and excitement of competitive swimming, and the joy of earning medals! Thank you to Ashley for giving us a full month of smiles and fun.

Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities

2 E 8th Street, Suite 2M

Chicago, IL 60605

312-527-3743 scc@sochicago.org