Gator Athletics
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 . These programs are competitive , and athletes must follow sports rules , etiquette , and coach direction at practices and competitions . Gator Athletics runs on a different schedule than NSSRA traditional programs to meet deadlines established by Special Olympics Illinois .
Athletes need to attend and participate in all practices , games , and 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 .
Skills Assessment
In most Gator programs , new athletes will go through a Skills Assessment Test during the first week of program . The Skills Assessment Test determines participation in the program for the remainder of the season , gaining eligibility for Special Olympics Illinois competitions in future seasons .
NSSRA offers ten Gator Athletics programs s Basketball ( Fall / Winter ) s Golf ( Summer ) s Swimming ( Winter / Spring ) s Volleyball ( Fall ) s Bocce ( Fall / Spring ) s Powerlifting ( Winter / Spring ) s Bowling ( All Seasons ) s Softball ( Summer ) s Track & Field ( Spring ) s Tennis ( Spring )
Special Olympics Medical Forms : s Are available in English or Spanish through the NSSRA office and at www . nssra . org / forms . s Must be completed and signed by a doctor to be considered valid . s Must be valid from the start of practice through the last tournament date for each sport in which the athlete competes . s Will be submitted to Special Olympics Illinois by NSSRA .
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All Gator athletes must have a current Special Olympics medical and consent forms on file to compete in tournaments . NSSRA staff will reach out to all athletes and families later to communicate Special Olympics competition information as it is announced .
For more information , contact Recreation Specialist Lacey Allen at ( 847 ) 509-9400 x6833 or lallen @ nssra . org . 50 nssra . org / programs | ( 847 ) 509-9400 Gator Athletics