Gator athletes will learn the rules of basketball, develop skills, practice, and play in competitions. Gator athletics emphasize sportsmanship, fundamentals, and rules of the game. Participants will compete in Special Olympics and Special Recreation Association events. The first few weeks will consist of practicing and conditioning. Note: All athletes must attend these practices as well as take a Skills Assessment Test to gain eligibility for Special Olympics Illinois competitions. All athletes must have a current Special Olympics Illinois Application for Participation on file. Game locations and transportation times will vary. A schedule and tournament information will be distributed at the beginning of the season. No program December 26 and January 2. Goals: Enhance basketball skills through practice and competition. Improve physical condition and teamwork.

Tour Chicagoland’ s hot spots as you enjoy an afternoon of social interaction with your peers. You will visit new destinations each week and indulge in lunch out on the town( Please bring $ 15- $ 20 to cover the cost of lunch each week). Sign up for all outings or the ones that interest you. Each outing has a separate transportation and program fee. A valid state-issued I. D. verifying your age as 21 or older is required each week. If you register for transportation, NSSRA will pick you up at home and drop you off after program. Goals: Enhance socialization with peers. Increase awareness of community leisure skills. Improve money management skills.

Brookfield Zoo: September 20 Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Let’ s spend the day in the sun scouting out animals with our friends at the Brookfield Zoo. We will enjoy lunch at the zoo and explore all the zoo has to offer. Once our feet get tired, we will hop on board the Brookfield Zoo ' s open-air Motor Safari tram and take a narrated tour of the entire zoo. Program fee includes admission into the zoo and the tram ride. Participants should bring additional money for lunch and souvenirs.

Apple Holler: October 11 Join us at Apple Holler for a day full of autumn fun! We will start the day off enjoying lunch at the farm, and then burn off the delicious food exploring the orchard. We ' ll spend the rest of the day picking apples, visiting the farm animals and sipping on hot cider. Program fee includes the cost of admission, apple picking and apple cider. Please bring additional spending money for lunch.

Top Golf: October 25 Time to show off your swing! Join your friends at a local competitive driving range. No experience necessary! Whether you are a golfing pro or this is your first time at the driving range, let’ s try out this new location together! First, we will have a quick bite from its fresh and unique menu, then we ' ll hit the driving range! Program fee includes cost of golfing. Please bring additional spending money for lunch.

Shop Till You Drop: November 8 With the cold weather just about here, it ' s time to head indoors and do some shopping! Let’ s shop till we drop and enjoy a delicious lunch with our friends at Gurnee Mills! We ' ll spend the day visiting our favorite stores, enjoy a delicious lunch of choice and end the day with an ice cream treat! Program fee includes cost of ice cream. Please bring additional spending money for lunch and shopping.

Apple Holler, Sturtevant, WI