Special Olympics Athletics (Track & Field) Registration

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETICS (Track & Field)

Athletes ages 8 and up who are interested in competing in track and/or field events are invited to register. Coach Josie will be returning as Head Coach!

Zoom meeting: Friday, February 9th at 7:00PM. The link for the meeting is below. Even if you are only interested in more information, I encourage you to attend.

Roster: Will be limited to 30 Athletes on a first come, first served basis. Athletes returning from the 2023 season will be guaranteed their spot for the new season. If we reach 30, a waiting list will be created also on a first come, first served basis.

Practice: Once a week on Wednesdays based on venue availability and weather-permitting, 4:45-6pm on 2/28 & 3/6, then 5:45-7pm the rest of the season at Minooka Jr High Track & Field. (Off the corner of Ridge Rd & McEvilly Dr in Minooka, between Minooka Intermediate and Minooka Jr High) TRANSPORTATION TO PRACTICES IS EVERYONE'S OWN RESPONSIBILITY. Ride sharing can be worked out amongst yourselves.

Regional: Spring Games will be Saturday-Sunday, May 4th-5th in South Holland. The SC buses can be used for competition. We DO NOT stay overnight, rather we commute there and back each day. In most cases, athletes may compete on just one of the days, depending on the events they choose to compete in. Those who earn a gold medal at Regional will advance to State Summer Games at ISU, June 7th-9th.

Registration: Closes on February 21st. Paperwork/fees are due by the first practice on February 28th, or you cannot practice. I will communicate what paperwork I'll need as registrations come in. The cost for the entire season is $20.00. Please register by replying to this email, signing up on our website www.specialconnections.org or contacting Tina at 815-230-1877. 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 or team for bocce or a relay in swimming are not eligible to join a track relay team, but can still do individual events.

Medicals for Athletes: Must be valid through June 9th, 2024. If you are not sure when your Medical expires, I can check that for you. If you need to renew, Medicals must be turned in to me by March 20th, or you will not be able to compete. New, first time Medicals should be completed ASAP.

Class A for Assistant Coaches: New coaches must complete the Class A registration ASAP, including the background check for those 18 and older. If you already have a Class A, then I can check your expiration date for you. There may be some paperwork to complete as well, and I will communicate that as volunteers notify me of their interest to help.

Looking forward to a great season!!