Name: Not an Event
Start: 2022-01-05
End: 2022-01-05
Location: Henry Sibley High School

South Region Stars

An Awesome Team of Athletes

100 Athletes - 9 Teams

Having Fun!

Showing the Pride

Unified as One

In Special Olympics, the power and joy of sport shifts focus to what our athletes CAN do, not what they can’t. As their lives open up, our athletes gain the confidence that comes with achievement. They feel empowered. They are ready to take on new leadership challenges to make use of their new abilities. They can become mentors for other athletes. They can train to become coaches and officials. They can also move toward a more public role as a speaker or spokesperson. They can speak to audiences about the positive changes that Special Olympics helped bring about in their lives. At the end, though, we remain true to our mission: Have Fun. We are proud to be the South Region Stars.

RETURN TO PLAY

COVID Protocols

Special Olympics Minnesota believes the health and safety of its athletes is paramount. Based on current medical information, we are in phase orange (significant risk), which requires us to use the protocols below. These may be more restrictive than CDC or Minnesota Department of Health guidelines due to individuals with intellectual disabilities are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

Athlete Participation Requirements (revised)
All necessary paperwork for athletes, Unified Partners and coaches paperwork must be up to date AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE PRACTICE STARTS, including the Covid Training Waiver. Athletes who have not done so will not be allowed to practice with the team.

You will also be asked to participate in a vaccine survey so that SOMN can provide more opportunities for our teams to practice and compete. While vaccinations are not required to participate in our programs, SOI and SOMN encourages everyone who is able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

At Practice

If you are sick or have any symptoms of Covid stay home!
Masks are required for all, regardless of vaccination status.
At each practice, athletes will need to respond to several questions about their health in relation to COVID. If yes to any questions, participants will be isolated and sent home with instructions to contact their healthcare provider.
- Have you ever tested positive for COVID-19? If yes, what date(s) did you test positive? *
- In the last 14 days, have you had contact with someone who has been sick with COVID-19?
- Have you had a fever in the last week (temperature of 100.4°F/37.8°C or higher)?
- Do you have a cough and/or difficulty breathing?
- Do you have any other signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea)?

This information is submitted to SOMN so that it has contact information in case needed for contact tracing or reporting.

Participants who are found to have COVID-19 symptoms must wait 7 days after symptoms resolve to return to activity OR must provide written proof of physician clearance to Special Olympics to return earlier.

* Participants who at any time have tested positive for/have COVID-19 must notify Special Olympics Minnesota AND provide written medical clearance before returning to sport and fitness activities.

Meet the Team

We are a team of Special Olympics Minnesota, offering those with intellectual disabilities sports training and competition opportunities. Our athletes discover new strengths, skills and success. We know no boundaries.

Check Us Out

Through practice and competitions, our athletes achieve joy and acceptance. We do so by upholding our number one rule – HAVE FUN! And we have plenty of opportunities to do so – fall, winter, spring and summer.

Get Going!

We practice in northern Dakota County (but welcome all). Pick your sports and get going: We offer team and individual sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Softball, Swimming, and Track and Field.

The South Region Stars welcomes any athlete who fulfills the requirements set by Special Olympics of Minnesota (SOMN) and abides by its code of conduct. To be eligible, individuals must be eight years of age or older and have an intellectual disability (see eligibility link ).

Athletes must have a completed application on file with Special Olympics of Minnesota before they can participate in any Special Olympics training activities or competitions. Please note that some portions of these forms must be completed and signed by a licensed medical practitioner.

Applications are scrutinized for any missing information and signatures; we encourage to you to watch the Application Process Walkthrough (see link).

A NOTE ABOUT THE NEW APPLICATION

The link above will take you to the Athlete Application located on the SOMN website. There you will find more detailed information, as well as a new page: a Waiver and Liability for Communicable Diseases agreement that must be signed by the athlete and guardian (for those who are still a minor or not their own guardian.) It's important to compete the form correctly; otherwise the application will not be accepted. Here are a few of the biggest issues we see.

Not signed where signatures are required
Check-boxes not filled in properly - follow given directions.
Medical forms that are not official.

In the past, some athletes included a sports or government form rather than SOMN's.This is NO longer acceptable.
The only form SOMN will accept is the one included with the application. Examiners may rely on the some of the information from a recent physical but there are still questions that pertain specifically to Special Olympics.
The doctor must check whether the athlete has an intellectual or other developmental disability and describe it on the form. (More information is included on the form.
Medical is not signed. Remember the examiner must sign the application and provide the clinic's information.
One question frequently asked is what to do when an insurance company will not cover the examination until a stated time. In this case, the examiner may use the information one year earlier. However, the form must also be dated that year as well. as this is what governs when a new application is due. It is not the athlete's birthday or the date the was submitted -- it is the date of the previous physical.

Through sports, our athletes celebrate their abilities, not their disabilities. Special Olympics Minnesota believes that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. Necessary adaptation ensures we meet the needs of those with intellectual and physical disabilities. All sports have components or events designed to accommodate all ability levels. When competing, athletes are in divisions based on age and ability.

Alpine Sports

Practice

The Alpine Sports season typically begins in December. Practice is held at Afton Alps, with everyone meeting in the upper level of Paul's at 9:30 am.

Competition

Skiers and snowboarders participate in a qualifying meet and a state tournament. The qualifying meet allows Special Olympics of Minnesota to capture times so that athletes are placed in proper divisions at state. No dates have been announced yet.

Options

Beginner: Glide Event
Novice: Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom
Intermediate: Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom
Advanced: Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom

Contact

Rick Vance, Head of Delegation
Alpine Ski and Snowboard Team Coach
Direct: 763-4521370 Mobile: 952-210-8743
E-Mail: rick.vance@wdpi.com

Register

It is important for athletes to register for participation, whether competing in both the area and state level competitions, or just at the area meet. Don’t forget you also need an up-to-date application with Special Olympics of Minnesota.

Basketball

Practice

Due to COVID-19 Special Olympics of Minnesota has cancelled the 2020 Summer Games, including all events for track and field, basketball, and swimming. While we are disappointed that we can’t compete, we understand that this is for our safety.

Competition

There are two competitions: an area meet and a state tournament. Athletes must participate in the area meet to qualify to participate in the state tournament. Dates, times, and locations to be announced.

Options

As basketball is a TEAM SPORT, be aware that once the teams are formed only those players who plan to participate in the scheduled tournaments will be able to participate. This allows the teams to practice together as a “team”, which is essential to competition. (We do this for all team sports now!)

Gold Team: Full Court – very competitive and experienced players
Blue Team: Full Court – still competitive, yet at a slower pace.
White Team: Full Court – more of a beginning Full Court team.
Unified Team: Full Court – non-Special Olympics athletes play alongside full court athletes
Half Court (3-on-3) Teams: – not quite ready for Full Court yet.
Skills: compete in shooting, passing, and dribbling

Contact

Jamie Lerbs
jlerbs1@msn.com

Register

Remember that you must have an up-to-date application on file with Special Olympics of Minnesota before you will be allowed to practice and compete. This needs to be updated every three years. And make sure to check your calendar for conflicts before you register to complete.

Bocce

What is Bocce?

When bocce was added as a state level Special Olympics sport in Minnesota in 2002, 18 athletes participated. Today thirty-four Minnesota delegations currently offer athletes the opportunity to train and compete in bocce. In bocce, athletes roll a bocce ball to get closer to the target ball (called the pallina) than their opponents.

Practice

Begins in late June or early July – Time and Location – TBA

Competition

There are two competitions: an area meet and a state tournament. Athletes must participate in the area meet to qualify to participate in the state competition. Dates, times, and locations to be announced.

Options

Athletes can compete in up to two events:

Individuals
Doubles (two athletes playing together) *
Unified Partners (one athlete and one partner without a disability) *

Contact

Liza Cuchna, Head Coach
liza.cuchna@yahoo.com
651-325-6657

Register

Bowling

Practice

In the past the team has bowled at Druklas in Inver Grove Heights. Dates and locations for 2020 are still to be determined.

Why

For FUN, of course. Just come out bowl! Or to COMPETE—but make sure to note this on your registration form!

Competition

There is one competition - the state competition. Dates and location are to be determined.

Options

Singles
Singles Ramp
Unified Doubles
Unified Doubles Ramp

Please note:

Athletes can register for both Singles AND Unified Doubles. Athletes who register for Ramp Bowling and need an assistant may have an assistant with them at the lane. When registering, please note if an assistant is needed.

Register

Unified Flag Football

What is Unified Flag Football

Unified Flag Football is a team sports that combines the skills of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. Playing together is a quick path to friendship, understanding, and inclusivity.

Practice

As with all of our sports, time and locations are to be determined due to the coronavirus.

Competitions

Also, to be determined.

Options

Teams will be arranged at practice

Athletes who are beginning players or who are still learning, MUST have their staff/parents stay at the field with them throughout the practice for safety reasons.
If we do not have enough volunteers/coaches, then parents/staff will be asked to assist with their athlete’s team, so that we have enough help to accommodate everyone who registers. If we do not get help from parents/staff, we will need to limit the number of participants in FB!

Contact

Marcie Padgett
coachmarcie@comcast.net

Register

Floor Hockey

Practice

Floor Hockey practice typically begins in October; however, due to coronavirus we may need to limit the season and practice locations. As we know more information, we will post it here.

Competition

There are two competitions in Floor Hockey: the Area tournament and the State tournament. These dates are determined by Special Olympics of Minnesota and are yet to be determined.

Options

As floor-hockey is a TEAM SPORT, once the teams are formed only those players who plan to participate in the scheduled tournaments will be able to participate in the softball program. This allows the teams to practice together as a “team”, which is essential to competition. We look forward to another great season of practices and tournaments!

GOLD Team: very competitive and experienced players only/Top Division
WHITE Team: becoming more competitive yet still improving their skills.
BLUE Team: leaning towards recreational play but improving fast!
RED Team: beginning players; less competitive; still learning skills and rules
(Occasionally we have an option to practice on a separate team; however, it is only available if gym space exists and we have enough coaches.)

Contact

Marcie Padgett
coachmarcie@comcast.net

Register

Softball

Practice

Softball practice typically begins in late April or early May; however, due to the coronavirus we may need to limit the season and practice locations. As we learn more,we will post the information here.

Competition

There are two competitions in Softball: the Area tournament and the State tournament. These dates are determined by Special Olympics of Minnesota and are yet to be determined.

Options

As softball is a TEAM SPORT, once the teams are formed only those players who plan to participate in the scheduled tournaments will be able to participate in the softball program. This allows the teams to practice together as a “team”, which is essential to competition. We look forward to another great season of practices and tournaments!

GOLD Team: very competitive and experienced players (requires an additional $25 fee to cover team play in the Inver Grove Heights Men’s Softball League)
WHITE or GREEN Teams: more recreational play, yet still at a good skill level; working on improving skills through playing games
BLUE or RED Teams: more learning needed
T-BALL Team: beginners only

Contact

Marcie Padgett
coachmarcie@comcast.net

Register

Swimming

Our Purpose

The South Region Stars is a competitive team, so we don’t teach athlete’s how to swim; rather we teach them ways to swim faster and more efficiently. That said, we offer a host of events for those who need assistance in the pool to the more advanced racers.

Practice

Swimming is considered a summer sport, although practices usually begins in March. At this time we aren’t able to say for certain when swimming will begin and where it will be held.

Competition

As with most of our sports, there are two competitions in swimming – the Area Competition and the State Competition. Athletes who want to participate at State meet must swim in the Area Competition first.

Options

Swimmers can choose to swim in three individual races and one relay or two individual races and two relays

Assisted swims: 15M, 25M, 50M
Flotation swims: 15M, 25M
Freestyle: 15M, 25M, 50M, 100M, 200M, 400M
Backstroke: 25M, 50M, 100M
Breaststroke: 25M, 50M, 100M
Butterfly: 25M, 50M, 100M
Individual Medley: 100M
4 x 25M Relay (four swimmers each swim one lap)
4x25M Unified Relay (four swimmers, two with and two without an intellectual disability)

Contact

Liza Cuchna, Head Coach
liza.cuchna@yahoo.com
651-325-6657

Register

Track and Field

Practice

Through the track-and-field-based athletics training program, participants can develop total fitness to compete in any sport. Practices begin in late April or early May (depending upon the weather); however at this time the season is yet to be determined.

Competitions

There are two track and field competitions: the Area Meet and the State Meet. Athletes must participate in the Area Meet to qualify for state.

Options

Track Events

25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,500 Meter
4 x 100 Traditional and Unified Relays
400, 800 and 1,500 Meter Walks

Field Events

High Jump
Running Long Jump
Shot Put
Multi-Event
Pentathlon (100 Meters, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, 400 Meters)

Wheelchair Events

10 and 25 Meter Wheelchair
30 Meter Wheelchair Slalom
30 and 50 Meter Motorized Slalom
25 Meter Motorized Wheelchair Obstacle
100 Meter Wheelchair

The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels:

10 Meter Assisted Walk
25 Meter Assisted Walk-Dash
50 Meter Assisted Walk-Dash
Softball and Tennis Ball Throw
Standing Long Jump

Contact

Marcie Padgett
coachmarcie@comcast.net

Register

Athlete Application

Don't forget that the Special Olympics Minnesota application must be completed (including the physical) and on file at the SOMN office. Returning athletes - you also need to complete the application in its entirety every three years. (The SOMN application is not the same as the sport registration form.)

Our athletes are eligible to also participate in the many opportunities offered by Special Olympics Minnesota.

Athlete Leadership

The Leaders University gives athletes the chance to become a leader both within and outside of Special Olympics. Typically held in a University setting, participants are able choose from several courses such as “Athletes as Coaches,” “Civic Engagement,” and "Global Messenger."

Healthy Athletes

Healthy Athletes events provide a variety of services conducted by healthcare professionals and students in a welcoming, fun environment. Offered during state competitions, athletes may find themselves in a dentist’s chair, looking at eye charts, having their hearing screened or being fitted for new shoes and glasses.

SOfit and Fit5

SOfit is a health promotion program aimed at improving and protecting health and wellness for people with and without intellectual disabilities. Fit5 is a program that’s easy to integrate into ones' busy schedule or a team’s practice schedule.

Celebrating Together

We’re proud of our team, both for skill and sportsmanship. Each year we recognize our athletes and volunteers with awards reflecting our respect and appreciation.
2019 Spirit Awards (names to come)

John Sullivan Award: to those whose actions demonstrate the true meaning of Good Sport.

Kathy Wells Award: to those who exemplify if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

Hank Halvorson Award: to families and individuals who exemplify the spirit of Hank by assisting with fundraising efforts extraordinaire.

Hank Goers Award: to the families, parents, or staff who demonstrate extraordinary kindness by being there for any athlete or any effort requiring assistance.

Our volunteers are all ages, and their commitments can range from an afternoon to years of coaching. In fact, our team would not exist today without the time, energy, commitment, and enthusiasm of our volunteers - family members, teachers, and those who simply want to change others’ lives and their own.

Behind the Scene volunteers ensure athletes’ applications are current; plan fundraisers and social events, update the website and email communications, and time and measure athletes.
Coaches work with Special Olympics athletes to prepare them for competition and teach them the necessary skills to compete at their highest levels. Most of our team have two or more coaches.
A rapidly expanding program of Special Olympics is Unified Sports® -- and for good reason. Unified Sports combine athletes with and without disabilities on teams that train and compete together, promoting friendship, understanding, and inclusiveness.

Any person who has regular contact with our athletes is required to complete a Level I training process before working with them: complete a volunteer application, permit a background check and review an online presentation that covers a general orientation, protective behaviors, and concussions.

Each team also requires at least one Level II coach (or more) who is trained to coach that particular sport. Review of an additional online presentation geared to coaching the sport is also required.

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RETURN TO PLAY

BULLETIN BOARD

SEE US IN ACTION

ABOUT US

Meet the Team

Check Us Out

Get Going!

BECOME AN ATHLETE

OUR TEAMS

Practice

Competition

Options

Contact

Register

Practice

Competition

Options

Contact

Register

What is Bocce?

Practice

Competition

Options

Contact

Register

Practice

Why

Competition

Options

Register

What is Unified Flag Football

Practice

Competitions

Options

Contact

Register

Practice

Competition

Options

Contact

Register

Practice

Competition

Options

Contact

Register

Our Purpose

Practice

Competition

Options

Contact

Register

Practice

Competitions

Options

Contact

Register

IT'S ABOUT THE PERSON

JOIN US

Respect

Unify

Mentor

CALENDAR

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