WE ARE STARS

Amazing Awesome Athletes

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About Us

As a participant of Special Olympics Minnesota, we have made it our mission to transform lives through the joy of sport. Our athletes find confidence and fulfillment, they demonstrate determination and courage, and they express their joy every step of the way. On the playing field and in life, they inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. We train and we compete and we build confidence, all while upholding our number one rule – HAVE FUN! We practice in northern Dakota County (but welcome all).

Our Sports

Basketball

Basketball has players of all abilities, from young players to older, more experienced players . Basketball provides competition for both teams and individuals. (Winter – Spring)

Bocce

Players try to get their Bocce balls closer to a target ball than their opponents. Individuals can participate as single players or as part of doubles or Unified team. (Summer)

Bowling

Bowling is beneficial to people with intellectual disabilities, irrespective of their age or sports abilities, since it ensures physical exercise and social integration. (Fall – Winter)

Cornhole

Cornhole is a fun throwing game where players toss bean bags at a board with a hole in it. Players can score points by getting the bags through the hole or landing them on the board.

Poly (Floor) Hockey

Poly hockey is played in the style of ice hockey, but on flat surfaces, such as a basketball court. Players on each team attempt to shoot a ball or puck into a goal using sticks. (Fall – Winter)

Softball

Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams. Every team aims in scoring as many runs possible against the opponents by striking the ball with a specific bat. (Spring – Summer)

Swimming

Special Olympics Swimming offers divisions according to athlete ability and age. Individual events are offered as well as relays and events for athletes of lower ability. (Winter – Spring)

Track and Field

Athletics offers a wide variety of traditional track and field events. Competition is also provided for athletes with lower ability levels in a variety of development track and field events. (Winter – Spring)

Important Links

Athletes

All athletes who wish to participate with the Stars must first register with Special Olympics of Minnesota by completing and returning an athlete application. Each sports season has placement deadlines for new athletes.

Unified Partners

Special Olympics Unified sports combine athletes with and without disabilities (Unified partner) on the same team.

To become a Unified Partner, you must complete the online Level 1 training & volunteer application. This training is designed for new Unified partners as well as current Unified partners who need to renew their certification. Upon completion, you will receive an email from Sterling Volunteers to complete your background check. You may not receive an email if your background check is current and not expired yet.

Unified Partners can be as young as eight; however, they must also complete the paperwork and online course. Minors will receive an email to complete the background check after age 18.

Coaches and Team Assistants

All coaches and Unified partners who work with athletes, at a minimum, need to be Level 1 certified. Level 1 certified coaches can coach any sport within SOMN.

While most coaches are 18 years of age or older, individuals who are 16 or 17 years of age and wish to become a team assistant, may also take the training (although there will be no background check).

Interested in sports specific training? Level II training is sport specific. (Head coaches must be Level II certified.)

Certification and passed background checks are valid for 3 years.