NAPERVILLE -- NCAA Division III and the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) share a special relationship with the Special Olympics. That relationship is one of the cornerstones of Division III Week, celebrated April 10-14, 2023.
 
The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) initiated the partnership at the 2011 NCAA Convention and officially launched the partnership on August 1, 2011. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the lives of Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes through a mutual learning experience; provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympics athletes and Division III student-athletes within their communities; and raise awareness of Special Olympics, its programs and services.
 
The CCIW has hosted a variety of in-person and virtual events in collaboration with the Special Olympics. The league was recognized as a NADIIIAA Community Service Awards recipient for its work with the Special Olympics. The CCIW was named "Runner-up" in the Special Olympics Activity category after the conference hosted a virtual Stretch into Spring with Special Olympics event during the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
The league has also hosted virtual bingo nights and “Bowl-O-Rama” events where institutions partnered with Special Olympians and compete against its closest geographic neighbor at a local bowling alley.    
 
The conference also celebrates its “Very Important Teammate” initiative, inviting Special Olympians to be an integral part of CCIW Championships, including awards presentations. The program distributes special credentials for all Special Olympians that participate as well as any others who come to campus for other events. The credential will gain them admission to any regular season CCIW contest.
 
On campus, CCIW member institutions have been active in their partnership with the Special Olympics over the last 12 months.
 
Augustana hosted a Special Olympics basketball game at halftime of a women’s basketball contest in February, welcoming participants from Rock Island and United Township.
 
Carroll was the host last July for Special Olympics Wisconsin when it recognized 50 Years of Changing Lives at the first-ever Celebration Games.
 
Carthage organized and hosted a Special Olympics basketball game in March with Special Olympians of all ages at Tarble Arena.
 
Illinois Wesleyan founded the SOARing Titans Fan Club in 2019 and continues to host SOAR events – Special Opportunities Available in Recreation – throughout the year.
 
Millikin’s swim team hosted a Special Olympics event, teaching participants to swim both in group and one-on-one settings based on skill level. They were training the athletes to compete in regional Special Olympics swimming competition.
 
North Central’s SAAC hosted a Special Olympics “Field Day” in February. Student-athletes from a variety of sports came together to play basketball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer, and cornhole with Special Olympics athletes.  
 
Wheaton’s SAAC will be hosting a “Field Day” event for Special Olympics Illinois on Thursday, April 20.