8-22 Years Old
The North Suburban YMCA Special Olympics Swim Team is well known on the North Shore for offering our swimmers the best combination of the team sport of swimming and individual challenge in a social environment. All participants must be at least 8 years old with intellectual disabilities and able to swim 25 yards on their back and front unassisted.
We offer multiple opportunities for practice throughout the week. Participants are welcome to register for 1, 2, or all 3 days during the week but only 1 practice time per day. Swimmers may be asked to move to a different practice time on the same day based on the swimmer's needs and swim groups.
Our region's district swim meet is held in March every year. Swimmers who earn a gold medal at the District swim meet are eligible to compete in our Illinois State games in June held at Illinois State University (ISU). Swimmers are not required to participate in the swim meets.
Special Olympics is a global non-profit organization that began in Chicago, Illinois in 1968 and transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.
All new swimmers will be asked to come in for water acclimation to determine the best options going forward. Please contact Missy Contri for a swim assessment.