Special Olympics Unified Bags

Unified Bags is strictly a Unified Sport where a Special Olympics Athlete is paired with a Unified Partner, which is someone who does not have disabilities, and the 2 of them compete as a team. A Unified Partner could be a family member, friend, or a community member you know. All Unified Partners must complete a registration with Special Olympics, including a background check, in order to participate.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED BAGS

Athletes and Unified Partners, ages 18 and up to compete as a team. This sport is still in the pilot phase, meaning the Regional is an exhibition where participation ribbons will be given to all who participate. The same guidelines as all of our Special Olympics sports for attendance, sportsmanship, etc. will be followed.

Zoom meeting: Sunday, January 21st at 7:00PM. The link for the meeting is below. Even if you are only interested in more information, I encourage you to attend.

The roster will be limited to 10 Athletes and 10 Unified Partners on a first come, first served basis. Unified Bags Athletes & Partners returning from the 2023 season will be guaranteed their spot for the new season. If we reach 10 of either group, a waiting list will be created also on a first come, first served basis. You don't have to already have a teammate to register. Sign up for yourself and I will work to get you a teammate.

Practice: Once a week on Mondays based on venue availability, 7-8pm at Shabbona School in the Small Gym. The first practice is February 5th. I'll have all the equipment we'll need. TRANSPORTATION TO PRACTICES IS EVERYONE'S OWN RESPONSIBILITY. Ride sharing, if necessary, can be worked out amongst yourselves.

Regional Exhibition: Saturday, April 13th at Joliet Park District State. The SC buses can be used if needed for this event. There is no advancement to State level this year.

Registration: Closes on January 31st. Paperwork/fees are due by the first practice on February 5th, or you cannot practice. The cost for the entire season is $20.00. Both Athletes and Unified Partners are required to pay the fee. Please register by replying to this email, signing up on our website www.specialconnections.org or contacting Tina at 815-230-1877.

Medicals for Athletes and Class A Registrations for Unified Partners: must be valid through April 13th, 2024. If you are not sure when your Medical or Class A expires, I can check that for you. If you need to renew, Medicals must be turned in to me and Class As need to be completed by February 26th, or you will not be able to compete. New, first time Medicals and Class As need to be completed ASAP, but no later than 2/26.

I will communicate to everyone as you register what paperwork I'll need from each of you.