Special Olympics
SOAR Fox Cities is the 3rd largest Special Olympics agency in the state. Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.
The purpose of SOAR Fox Cities Special Olympics program is to offer our participant athletes a safe and fun environment to grow in self-confidence, keep a steady social life, and practice healthy living by being active. Special Olympics competitive sports seasons run from September through August.
Each agency is financially independent and responsible for supporting all the expenses accumulated throughout the year. For each sport we require the athletes to pay a fee determined by the expenses of that sport.
We always welcome fans to cheer on our athletes at competitions! Find our 2024 Competition Dates Here!
SOAR Fox Cities currently offers the following sports:
Basketball:
Team Basketball– Each traditional basketball team may have up to 10 athletes, and the season usually runs from early December to early April. Basketball teams are grouped in divisions based on an athlete’s ability level. Men and women can participate in this sport.
Basketball Skills – A non-competitive skills option for the athlete not ready or not interested in playing team basketball.
Aquatics– Practices start in February and run through early June. Men and women can participate in this sport.
Track & Field– Practices start in April and run through early June. Men and women can participate in this sport.
Softball– Practices start in late June and run through early August. This is a co-ed team and athletes must be able to hit a pitched ball and have a good understanding of the game rules and strategies. Players compete in slow pitch with two teams with up to 15 players per team. Men and women can participate in this sport.
Tee-Ball– Practices start in June and run through early August. This is a coed team where athletes hit off a “tee” and learn the game rules and strategies. This is a non-competitive skills training option.
Bocce– Practices start in May and run through early August. Men and women can participate in this sport.
Bowling– The bowling season runs from September through Early December. Men and women can participate in this sport.
Skills gained through SOAR Special Olympics participation include: Communication, Decision Making, Gross Motor Skills, Cooperation, Following Directions, Sportsmanship, Physical Fitness, Conflict Resolution, Teamwork, Dependability, Healthy Lifestyles, Budgeting, Social Appropriateness, Time Management, Leadership, and Emotional Regulation.
Each sport has a participation fee, see below for details. Also, by becoming a MEMBER of SOAR Fox Cities, click here, athletes pay the reduced member rate.
Sport |
Member |
Non-Member |
| 2024 Basketball | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| 2024 Basketball Skills | $40.00 | $60.00 |
| 2024 Aquatics | $70.00 | $90.00 |
| 2024 Track & Field | $75.00 | $95.00 |
| 2024 Softball | $65.00 | $85.00 |
| 2024 Tee-Ball | $35.00 | $55.00 |
| 2024 Bocce | $65.00 | $85.00 |
| 2024 Bowling | $95.00 | $125.00 |
Athletes’ fees must be paid for the sport in which they are participating (this includes state fees if applicable) before they can register for another sport. Example: If an athlete is participating in bowling and intends to play basketball, he/she must have bowling fees paid before registering for basketball.
Athletes are not required to compete in district and/or state tournaments. He/she may choose to participate in practices only. If an athlete does plan to compete in district and/or state, any fees assessed by the state office and SOAR Fox Cities will be the responsibility of the athlete.
The required Registration and Medical Update forms can be found on the Special Olympics website and the links below. Medical updates are required on a three-year cycle but can be updated every year after an athlete’s annual physical.
If you need to reach the Special Olympics Coordinator after SOAR business hours, please dial 920-809-8894. Please only use this number for emergencies including being late for practice or a competition, having been dropped off at the wrong location, etc. Registrations will NOT be accepted via this number. The phone will only be turned on during and shortly/before after activities and, as such, not available 24 hours/day. Messages will not be checked on days activities/practices are not schedule. Please contact the SOAR offices via 920-731-9831 for registrations, general sports inquiries, volunteer inquiries, and anything non-emergency related.
Special Olympics Wisconsin Forms:
- Athlete Registration Forms, click here.
- Athlete Medical Form, click here.
- COVID-19 Form, click here.
- Waiver for Athletes, click here.
- Becoming a Special Olympics Athlete
Coach’s Corner:
Coaches, if your team is in need of new equipment or uniform, please fill out the Special Olympics Expenditure Request Form. All requests will be pending approval by SOAR’s Special Olympic Program Coordinator and Executive Director. Any purchases made without prior approval cannot be reimbursed. Thank you!
