Special Olympics Illinois spring games coming to Lake Zurich High School

Lake Zurich High School will be buzzing Sunday with about 500 Special Olympics Illinois athletes in a regional track-and-field competition.

Competitors from Lake and McHenry counties, known as Northeastern Area 13, will descend on the school that has become home to the annual spring games. The day begins with an opening ceremony at 8 a.m., followed by competition until 5 p.m., Special Olympics Illinois spokeswoman Alexandra McMillin said.

McMillin said no admission fee will be charged to spectators who attend the largest area event for Special Olympics Illinois.

"People come and go all day long," she said. "There should be enough parking at the high school."

Among the scores of volunteers who plan to donate their time Sunday are students from Lake Zurich and Stevenson high schools, and members of the Rotary and Lions clubs in Lake Zurich.

Special Olympics Illinois Area Director Brenden Cannon said the games could not be held without the volunteers.

"We rely on volunteers to help run every aspect of spring games," Cannon said. "But even more importantly, the athletes look forward to the friendship and encouragement they receive from the volunteers."

Lake Zurich Mayor Thomas Poynton and Special Olympics Illinois board member Tom Thompson are scheduled to be part of the opening ceremony, which also will feature a caldron lighting and an athlete parade.

When the track-and-field action begins, the athletes will show their skills in shot put, high jump, long jump, wheelchair competition and running events of up to 1,500 meters. Competitors will be divided by gender and ability levels.

McMillin said the athletes must train for eight weeks to become eligible for the spring games. Those who receive a gold medal will qualify for the Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games set for June 12-14 at Illinois State University in Normal and Illinois Wesleyan University in neighboring Bloomington.