Special Olympics

SOAR Fox Cities is the 2nd 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.

New to Special Olympics?

Registrations for each sport are sent out in our member newsletter prior to each season. To get involved in SOAR Special Olympics, please contact Special Olympics Coordinator Jen Kalishek with your new athlete’s name, age, and the sport(s) they would like to join. Jen will follow up with all paperwork needed and information about when registration for your selected sports opens!

We always welcome fans to cheer on our athletes at competitions! 2025 Competition Dates coming soon!

SOAR Fox Cities currently offers the following sports:

Basketball:

Team Basketball– Each traditional basketball team may have up to 12 athletes, and the season usually runs from early January 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 April. 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 mid June and run through early September. 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 June and run through early September. 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 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. See below for details.

Also, by becoming a MEMBER of SOAR Fox Cities athletes pay the reduced member rate.

Sport	Member	Non-Member
2025 Basketball	$65.00	$85.00
2025 Basketball Skills	$50.00	$70.00
2025 Aquatics	$75.00	$95.00
2025 Track & Field	TBD	TBD
2025 Softball	TBD	TBD
2025 Tee-Ball	TBD	TBD
2025 Bocce	TBD	TBD
2025 Bowling	TBD	TBD

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.