NSSRA Program Guides Summer 2017 | Page 11

Gator Athletics If you’re itching to make your mark on the court, in the pool, or on the field, Gator Athletics is your chance. Gator Athletic programs are competitive, and athletes must follow sport rules and etiquette as well as coach direction at practices and competitions. Participants competing on Gator teams are active in Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section competitions and Special Olympics Illinois games. Gator Athletics gives NSSRA’s athletes the experience of competing against other individuals of similar abilities from nearby communities. Gator Athletics run on a different schedule than NSSRA traditional programs to meet deadlines established by Special Olympics Illinois. It is important for athletes to attend and participate in all practices and games as well as tournaments. Athletes attending any tournament with NSSRA are required to register for this additional program with no extra cost. Registration materials will be sent home during the program and must be turned in by the deadline printed on the registration form. This registration is a commitment that the athlete will participate in the tournament. Athletes who compete in Special Olympics Illinois competitions are required to have a valid Application for Participation on file with Special Olympics Illinois. All applications... • Must be original with an original doctor’s signature to be considered valid • Must be valid from the start of practice through the last tournament date for each sport in which the athlete competes • Are available in English or Spanish through the NSSRA office and at www.nssra.org/forms • Will be submitted to Special Olympics Illinois by NSSRA NSSRA currently offers eleven Gator Athletics programs. They are: • Basketball (Fall/Winter) • Bocce (Spring) • Bowling (All Seasons) • Flag Football (Summer/Fall) • Softball (Summer) • Track & Field (Spring) • Golf (Summer) • Swimming (Winter/Spring) • Volleyball (Fall) • Powerlifting (Winter/Spring) • Tennis (Summer) Gator Basketball, Flag Football, Softball, and Volleyball are team sports and require participants to be a minimum of 16 years old to play. All other Gator Athletics programs are considered individual sports for children, teens and adults. Participants ages 8 and up are eligible for individual Gator sports. For more information, contact Becca Zajler, Recreation Manager, at (847) 509-9400 x6823 or [email protected]. www.nssra.org 11