Our Special Olympics philosophy revolves around one primary premise; that young people learn life lessons through participation on a team, during both practices and games. Lessons involving teamwork, work ethic, leadership, fair play, and responding to adversity are reinforced at all times. While the development of sport-specific skills and winning is important, they never supersede the life lessons we strive to teach. While other teams may choose to play athletes that are more skilled in an effort to gain an advantage, we will not. In addition to athletes and coaches, parents and family members also play an important role in the program. Our hope is that all members of the District 200 Special Olympics Program work together to support, teach those invaluable lessons to our athletes, and enjoy the experience along the way. 

CUSD 200 will now use the Special Olympics Illinois Digital Center of Excellence (COE)! This new online platform will help us better manage athlete registration, Health History updates, required forms, and team rosters. Paper forms will no longer be accepted.

All program funds are generated through the fundraising efforts of staff, parents, students, and the community. Donations to Special Olympics will help to change the lives of people with developmental disabilities and provide opportunities they would not otherwise receive.  Please contact Jody Field at jody.field@cusd200.org or Valerie DiFresco at valerie.difresco@cusd200.org for more information or if you are interested in donating to District 200 Special Olympics.   

Bowl for the Torch - CUSD 200 Special Olympics hosts an annual fundraiser at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. This year’s community event will be held on Saturday, February 21st. Please contact Valerie DiFresco at valerie.difresco@cusd200.org for more information.

Peer Partners are an integral part of the District 200 Special Olympics Program. Peer Partners are high school students who assist coaches and athletes at practices and games. The addition of Peer Partners has allowed our athletes to develop positive peer relationships and work on social skills while at practice. Anyone interested in becoming a Peer Partner should contact Valerie DiFresco.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Create Your Account
All parents/guardians will need to create an account on the new portal by visiting https://portals.specialolympics.org/. Please note:

• The first account you create is for YOU as the parent/guardian.

• After creating your parent/guardian account, you will then add your athlete(s) within your portal.

When creating your account:

• Select Region C 

• Click the + button and choose District 200 to connect to our agency.

Once your account is set up, you can add your athlete(s) and complete their required Checklist, which includes:

• Health History Form (no doctor signature needed; can be signed electronically by you)

• Athlete Acknowledgment Form

To help you through each step, we’ve included an easy Step-by-Step Guide with this message.

2. New Health History Policy
As part of this new online process:

• Medical Forms signed by doctors will no longer be required or accepted.

• Instead, you will complete and e-sign the Health History Form as the parent/guardian for your athlete to participate in Regional and State events.

We are excited to offer CUSD 200 Special Olympics spiritwear year round. Check out our designs for athletes, family and friends here: https://1stplace.sale/115961

Basketball was the second sport added to the CUSD 200 Special Olympics Program. The team is comprised of athletes who work on developing their skills and compete against other teams with similar athletes. The team name is the Flying Tigers, encompassing both sides of town (Wheaton North, Wheaton Warrenville South, and Transition students).  The team is comprised of 15 athletes.

Practices typically begin in October. Coaches send information to the families of students registered. The skills of the athletes will be assessed and teams will be formed within the first few weeks of the season and if there are enough athletes we may have multiple teams. Athletes will have a chance to practice their skills in dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, basic offense, and most importantly, teamwork. 

Our basketball team participates in an annual fundraiser benefitting Christmas Sharing. This year’s game will be on Tuesday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Hubble Middle School. All are welcome to come cheer on our Flying Tigers, raise money for Christmas Sharing and a chance to win prizes!

In late January, the team will participate in regional games where they will play for a chance to qualify for the State Games held in March.  More information will be sent to the families of students registered. 

2025-2026 Head Coach: Dana Eden, Assistant Coach: Gianna Hayner

In 2012, Bocce was added as the 4th sport to the CUSD 200 Special Olympics Program. Special Olympics is currently in the process of updating the Bocce season and we are awaiting more information. The  season ends with a State Qualifying Tournament. Athletes who receive a gold medal at the qualifying tournament qualify for State competition. More information to come as we receive updates from Special Olympics Region C.

Coach: TBD

Bowling - Students in Middle School thru Transition

In 2010, Bowling was added as the third sport to the District 200 Special Olympics Program. More information is coming soon as the season approaches. Practices typically begin mid-May. The season ends with a Tournament in mid-July at Stardust Bowl in Addison. Athletes need at least a 15-game average in order to be eligible to compete in the tournament. If athletes perform well at the regional competition, they may qualify for the State competition held in December.    

Coach: TBD

In the spring of 2005, track was the first sport offered in the history of CUSD 200 Special Olympics. Athletes are able to compete in a total of 2 events (2 track, 2 field, or a combination of both). Events are available for runners, walkers, and athletes in wheelchairs. Practices begin indoors in early March and are typically held at WN.  Outdoor invitational events are offered in May, including the Spring Games Regional Qualifying meet.. Athletes who receive a Gold Medal in their events at the Spring Games qualify for the State Summer Games typically held in June.  More information to come on Spring and State events.

Running Events
50M, 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 3000M

Walking Events
50M, 100M, 400M, 800M

Field Events
Tennis ball Throw, Softball Throw, Standing Long Jump, Running Long Jump, Shot Put 
Pentathlon (athletes compete in all five events)
100M Run, 400M Run, Shot Put, High Jump, Running Long Jump 
Coach:  TBD

Pack the Gym: Tuesday, December 2nd, 7:00 p.m. at Hubble Middle School

Bowl for the Torch: Saturday, February 21st, 1:00 p.m. at Fox Bowl in Wheaton

We are asking local businesses to show support for Special Olympics by donating raffle items which will be held at the event. Special Olympics is a 501c3 nonprofit organization - all donations are tax-deductible. If you would like to donate, please contact Valerie Di Fresco at valerie.difresco@cusd200.org