Swim Season 2021 has been deferred

All Special olympics MISSOURI events have been
​cancelled through march 2021
​

THIS INFO WILL BE UPDATED FOR 2022 WHEN WE GET THE GREEN LIGHT FROM SOMO
    
      12:00-1:00 - Developmental swimming; ability to swim not required
      1:00-2:00 - Lap swimming; ability to swim 50+ meters independently
      Swimmers who qualify at regional for State SOMO will practice through May
      
Bring:  Towel, swimsuit, goggles. Long hair should be in cap or ponytail. Lap swimmers need to bring fins.

Registration: Special Olympics physical will be needed.

Volunteers needed to help with developmental swim! Are you? 
  • Patient, persistent, problem-solver, creative, flexible, positive, FUN and ​have basic swim skills
  • Contact Liz Young if interested
Important Dates
  • April - KC Metro Area Aquatics Meet from 9:00-3:00; Henley Aquatic Center, 
    ​    18200 M78 Hwy, Independence, MO  64157
  • June - SOMO State Games
Swim Coach:  Liz Young, 816-786-1299
   
Northstars Team Rep:  ​Toni Harrison, 816-591-4480

swim registration not available at this time

frequently asked questions​

What happens at practice?
Each practice is primarily skill building. After a few weeks when the majority of athletes are registered, the coaches assign each one to a team. We participate in the regional and state Special Olympic tournaments. If you know your athlete will not compete in tournaments, that plays into team assignments. First practice is primarily an info session where the head coach gives an overview of the season and athletes work on some basic skills. Your key contact for all team information during the season is the Team Rep..

My child doesn't swim. I’m wondering if this may be too ​high level? 
You will be in good company at Northstars! We have athletes at all skill levels. Most athletes have started as developmental swimmers to get comfortable with being in the water and learning the basics. Competitive swim is for those athletes with the ability to swim laps and learn a variety of strokes. Coaches will determine the skill level of each athlete as developmental or competitive. Very few of our athletes have had any group or competitive sports before Northstars. They just don't have those opportunities through other channels and that's why Northstars was started and is so popular. We have athletes at all levels of skill and ability and there's no pressure to "win". We hope you'll come with your athlete and check us out see if it might be a fit. 

Do you need volunteers to help with the teams? 
Yes. Volunteers are in the water alongside our athletes and help them with skill building and having fun with the sport. Volunteers have a heart to help and are available to attend most weekly practices. They're patient, kind, persistent, problem solver, creative, flexible, positive, FUN and have basic swim skills.

When are tournaments?
The regional tournament is in April in the KC area. Teams come from across the western side of Missouri to participate. 2020 State tournament is held in Springfield Missouri. SOMO tournament info can be found at www.somo.org 

What's the cost to register for swimming?
  • There's no cost to participate in Special Olympics. 
  • Athlete and unified partner families are asked to join the Northstars Booster Club so we can continue to offer these opportunities.
  • Family membership is $30 calendar year with options for higher levels of support. See details here.
​
  What's the cost to compete in the SOMO State Games? ​
  • ​The NKC School District provides funding for athletes who participate in Special Olympics. 
  • Sometimes additional registration or travel fees apply for State Games participants. You will be notified of those costs in advance so you can choose how to participate.  ​​
  • If this is something you need help paying for, please contact your coach immediately. We're here to help!