NSSRA Program Guides Winter 2020 | Page 13

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 Athletics 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 in order 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. Registrations are a commitment that the athlete will participate in both practices and tournaments. Athletes who compete in Special Olympics Illinois competitions are required to have a valid Medical Application for Participation on file with Special Olympics Illinois. All applications: • Must be completed and signed by a doctor 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 GUESS WHAT?! Gator Athletics programs now have their very own home in NSSRA program guides. Flip to pages 44 - 46 to check out the new Gator section! DID YOU KNOW that visitors are welcome to attend Gator games? Check out our events calendar at www.nssra.org/events to find the next game. • 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 ten Gator Athletics programs. They are: • Basketball (Fall/Winter) • Bocce (Fall/Spring) • Bowling (All Seasons) • Golf (Summer) • Swimming (Winter/Spring) • Powerlifting (Winter/Spring) • Tennis (Summer) • Softball (Summer) • Track & Field (Spring) • Volleyball (Fall) Gator Basketball, 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 Katie James, Recreation Specialist for Gator Athletics, at (847) 509-9400 x6833 or [email protected]. NSSRA | (847) 509-9400 • [email protected] • register.nssra.org • www.nssra.org 13