WHO: Eight teams comprised of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and Unified partners: Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School (BBCHS), East St. Louis Sr. High School, Limestone Community High School, Peotone High School, Pontiac High School, Southside Occupational Academy High School in conjunction with St. Rita High School, Southside Occupational Academy Hub partnering in conjunction with De La Salle Institute, and Vernon Hills High School. View rosters here.

WHAT: IHSA Unified State Basketball is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship-level competition for those participating in high school Unified basketball at Unified Champion Schools and IHSA member schools. Teams qualify for this event by winning regional tournaments held across the state. IHSA Unified State Basketball is held in conjunction with the IHSA Boys State Basketball tournament. Unified basketball first became an official Special Olympics Illinois sport in 2016.

WHEN: Friday, March 10, games will be played at 1:00 PM, 1:10 PM, 2:30 PM, and 2:40 PM. Saturday, March 11, games will be played at 8:30 AM, 8:40 AM, 10:30 AM, and 10:40 AM. View the Division I bracket here, and the Division II bracket here.

WHERE: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) at University of Illinois; 201 E Peabody Dr., Champaign, IL 61820

WHY: The Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Strategy works to further develop inclusive learning and social environments for all students, with and without disabilities. By utilizing the three key components of Unified sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement, school the inclusion and unification among their students as well as further social-emotional learning for all. To learn more, visit https://ucs.soill.org.