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Excessive Heat Cancels Outdoor Events at Special Olympics Summer Games

a fence and field with Special Olympics signs.
Special Olympics Illinois
/
Twitter
A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Monday for all of Central Illinois

Special Olympics Illinois canceled its outdoor activities Saturday due to excessive heat at the Summer Games across Bloomington-Normal.

A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Monday for all of Central Illinois, the National Weather Service reported. High temperatures will climb into the lower to mid-90s through Monday, with heat index readings peaking from 100 to 105 degrees each afternoon.

"All outside activities at Summer Games for Saturday afternoon will be cancelled starting at noon for weather conditions protocol of exceeding the high heat index, for the safety of all of our athletes, coaches, volunteers and families and will not be rescheduled," Special Olympics said on Facebook. "All inside activities are still scheduled as planned."

The Saturday night street dance was still scheduled as planned, Special Olympics said. Sunday’s activities are still scheduled too.

Local businesses and other venues welcomed Special Olympics families trying to beat the heat. The McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington offered free admission the rest of the weekend to athletes and their families.

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Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.