Special Olympics Athletics (Track & Field) Registration

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETICS (TRACK AND FIELD)

Athletes, ages 8 and up, interested in competing in track and/or field events may sign up for Special Olympics Athletics. There will be an informational Zoom meeting Wednesday, February 9th at 7:00pm. I encourage everyone interested, or if you just need more information, to attend the meeting. We will go over paperwork, practice/competition information, and current rules/policies. I am happy to announce that Josie Markus will be the Athletics Head Coach this year! She has been an assistant coach for many years, and had stepped up to Head Coach in 2020. She is ready and excited to lead our athletes and assistant coaches this season! The roster will be capped at 40 athletes, and precedence will be given to athletes returning from the start of the 2020 season. A waiting list will be created for anyone new to this sport on a first come, first served basis. The cost to participate the entire season is $15.

Practice will be held every Monday, weather permitting, starting Feb 28th, 4:45-6pm and then starting March 14th, 5:45-7pm at Minooka District 201 Track and Field located at the Intermediate/Jr High campus at the corner of McEvilly and Ridge Rd, Minooka. Spring Games (regional competition) will be April 30th-May 1st (yes, it is 2 days this year) location TBD; Summer Games (state competition), for those who qualify, will be June 17th-19th at ISU Bloomington/Normal. All athletes are expected to complete the season, however athletes competing in relays MUST commit to the entire season. Athletes who advanced to Summer Games in doubles for bocce or a relay in swimming are not eligible to join a track relay team, but can still do individual events. Transportation to practice is the athlete's responsibility. I am looking at possibly using the SC buses for competition.

Registration will close Feb 18th, and I will start pulling from the waiting list on the 19th provided there is room on the roster. Completed paperwork and fee will be due to me by Feb 25th or you will not be able to attend practice. Medicals must be valid through June 20th. If you are not sure when your Medical expires, I can check that for you. If you need a new Medical, it must be on the new 3-page Special Olympics Medical Form and turned in to me by March 7th or you will not be able to compete. Please reach out to me if you have questions about this new form. LATE PAPERWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

Volunteer Assistant Coaches are needed at practices and competitions. Complete knowledge of track and field events is not required. Please respond if you are interested in volunteering at practice and possibly at competitions, and I will get you set up to help. A current Class A registration through Special Olympics as well as some paperwork is required to be an assistant coach. If you have coached in the past, and are not sure of the expiration date of your Class A, I can look that up for you.