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. 

All athletes must have an updated medical application.  This application needs to be updated every two years and the date goes by the last date of the doctor visit.  See below for the application and instructions.  Applications must be valid through the date of the Special Olympics event and prior to their cut-off date for accepting applications.  

All program funds come from 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 - District 200 Special Olympics hosts an annual fundraiser at Fox Bowl in Wheaton during late winter or early spring entitled Bowl for the Torch.  

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.

Special Olympics
Special Olympics Illinois
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)

Coaches - Class A Registration Forms (Adult and Minor)
Athletes - Medical Application (English)
Athletes - Medical Application (Spanish)
Athletes - Info Sheet

Basketball was the second sport added to the District 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 begin October 11 at Hubble MS on Tuesday nights. The skills of the athletes will be assessed and teams will be formed within the first few weeks of the season if there are enough athletes to have multiple teams. Athletes will have a chance to practice their skills in dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, basic offense, and most importantly, teamwork. The games will begin in late October on Tuesday nights. 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 at Illinois State University.  More information will be sent to the families of students registered. 

In 2012, Bocce was added as the 4th sport to the District 200 Special Olympics Program. Practices begin in July and run through September at Hubble MS. The season ends with a State Qualifying Tournament in Mid-September. Athletes who receive a gold medal at the qualifying tournament in September qualify for the Summer Games in June at Illinois State University.

Coach: Julie Lovelace, julie.lovelace@cusd200.org

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. 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.   

Coach: TBD

In the spring of 2005, track was the first sport offered in the history of District 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 February and are held at WWS.  There are outdoor invitational events in April, and lead up to the Spring Games. The Annual Spring Games Qualifying Meet will be TBD. Athletes who receive a Gold Medal in their events at the Spring Games qualify for the State Summer Games.  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