Wings Membership Guidelines

Participation: The focus of the Special Olympics organization is to provide an opportunity for sports practice and competition.  Using the Special Olympics MN guidelines and structure,  Western Wings  offers a variety of sports where athletes can train and compete in sports that they love.  Our athletes learn about exercising, teamwork, commitment, training and the thrill of competition.  We encourage athletes to participate in as many sports as reasonably possible. However, for several sports, State competitions are held on the same dates and this may present  scheduling conflicts.

Sport Registration: Wings athletes will register for sports using our on-line system, only. Preference will be given to existing Western Wings team members and brand new/outside athletes will be placed on a waiting list until openings are identified. Note: Any athlete whose forms are not up-to-date by the end of the registration period will be out for the season.  

Team sports: such as basketball, softball, and relay races require a commitment to attend both Regional and State games.  If team player drops out, the whole team will forfeit if a suitable replacement cannot be added using the SOMN guidelines for substitutions. It is very important that athletes attend practices and competitions if they sign up for a team sport.

Season: Most sport seasons are 8-10 weeks in duration.

Competitions:  Most sports will have reginal competition events and summer sports teams will attend State Competition.

Practices: Practices are generally held weekly for 60 to 90 minutes.   Athletes are expected to attend a minimum of 8 of 10 scheduled practices.  If  attendance is difficult, the athlete should not sign up for the sport.  The head coach along with volunteer Level 1 and Level 2 coaches will assist athletes and encourage proper techniques, good sportsmanship and physical fitness.  Generally, we practice at sites in Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Plymouth and St. Louis Park.

Supervision: Please note that a parent/guardian or staff/PCA must stay with their athlete at practice or arrange for someone at practice, other than the head coach, to supervise and assist the athlete. Athletes needing 1:1 assistance or supervision must bring their own support person.  Our coaches want to encourage independence during practice and we are happy to guide your athlete but caregivers must manage the need for 1:1 supervision.  If an athlete is using alternate transportation (i.e. Metro Mobility) please notify the coaches so that athletes are not left alone.

Fees: Fees for each sport are $25.00 with a cap at $100.00 for the calendar year. We appreciate the full payment of $100.00 at the beginning of the year for those who know their athlete will play 4 or more sports.   For those experiencing financial hardship, please use the scholarship request form found here.  ______________  (Coming soon.  Use email if needed)

Fees are used for the following athlete needs:

• Uniforms
• Practice facility expenses
• Equipment
• Social events
• State Competition Entrance Fees for athletes and coaches.

Competitions: Athletes ages 8 and up may participate in competitions. All athletes are eligible for competition regardless of their ability. Note that athletes who wish to participate at the State competition must compete in the Area competition for that sport.  One cannot skip “Area” and then participate at “State”.  The SOMN organizes and runs the Area and State competitions.

• The “Area” competition event includes other teams from Area 11 (Minneapolis and suburbs). Ribbons are awarded to participants. The Area times/scores are used to place athletes in appropriate competitive divisions for State Games.
• The “State” competition includes teams from all over MN. Athletes are assigned to competitive divisions based on age, sex and qualifying times or scores that are established at the Area Games. Medals (gold, silver, bronze) and place ribbons are awarded to all participants.

Uniforms/Attire: The turquoise Western Wings t-shirt is available to all athletes, free of charge.  Sport specific uniforms may be provided and are returned to the coach after State competition unless otherwise instructed. Athletes should turn in their uniforms if they no longer fit or if the athlete does not participate in that sport.  Coaches will be supplied with our new “Wings Coach” black t-shirt.

Sport Registration: Wings athletes will register for sports using our on-line system, only. Preference will be given to existing Western Wings team members and brand new/outside athletes will be placed on a waiting list until openings are identified. Note: Any athlete whose forms are not up-to-date by the end of the registration period will be out for the season.  

Volunteering: Each year, all families are expected to volunteer in some way and participate in at least one fundraiser. Find out about volunteering here. Our coaches and athletes need and love your help.

Communication: We use email from Western Wings for most of our communication.  Our address is  WesternWings11@gmail.com.  We typically do not pass along emails unrelated to the business of the team.  Occasionally an event of interest to many team members might be posted.