December 29, 2025

Schedule at a Glance (details below)
💳 Membership Dues for 2026 - Due in January
🦈Swimming Season 2026 - Meeting / Practice in January (see below for details)
🍦 #ScoopsForSpecialOlympics - Friday, January 9, 2026 (see below for details)
​✨ Cosmic Christians Gathering - January 13 (see below for details)
🏀Basketball Regionals - January 25 (see below for details)
❌ Dance Classes -  there will be no classes during the weeks of 12/22 and 12/29
📋 WLTG Member Leader Board Committee Meeting -  January 7th @ 6PM

💲Membership Dues – January 1st 2026
💻 Pay your dues online via Square link 
All members of WLTG are due to pay at the start of the year.  
A paid membership will be required in 2026 for any sport / event / activity.

​📋 WLTG Member Leader Board Committee Meeting
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, January 7th
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Swansea Moose Lodge, 1221
Join us for an important meeting where we will discuss upcoming initiatives and opportunities for our members. Your participation is crucial!
We look forward to seeing you there! 🎉

🦈 Join the 2026 WLTG Sharks Swim Teams!
The 2026 Swimming Season is almost here — running January through May — and registration is now open! Whether your athlete is brand-new to the water or ready for competitive Special Olympics swimming, we have a program designed for their level.
📍 Location of Swimming Pool is:   Collinsville / Maryville / Troy YMCA.
💻 Register Today: Complete the WLTG Swim Registration Form

Schedules for 2026 (some changes may happen)
Practice Schedule

• Mandatory - Parent meeting on January 18 evening (virtual - will send invite prior)
• First practice for both the Developmental and Competitive groups will be Sunday, January 25th.  
• Practices will run from January to May every Sunday at the times below.  
• Development group will have the pool from 3PM to 4PM
• Competitive group will have the pool from 4PM to 5PM
• Please attend your athlete's time so we can focus on each group

Competitive Season Schedule

• Regional Event Swim Meet - TBD late March @ Edwardsville High School Pool Facility (same as last year)
• Summer Games - State Meet - TBD mid June - @ Bloomington / Normal

​🦈 Learn More  --  Visit our Swimming Webpage for:

• Additional program details
• Eligibility requirements
• Official Shark-Ware merchandise

Let’s make waves this season, Sharks! 💙🏊‍♂️

🩰 Dance Class Schedule
Enjoy the holidays and we'll see you January 5th!

​📌 SO Cheers - Friendly Reminders as We Head Into 2026
As we prepare for an exciting new year, we have a few important reminders for parents and guardians:
1️⃣ Please update your athlete’s availability in TeamSnap
This information is extremely important for Coach Lisa when planning practices and activities.
2️⃣ Renew your athlete’s medical information in the Athlete Portal
Keeping this up to date ensures eligibility and safety for all programs.
3️⃣ Check your email and TeamSnap chats regularly
Important updates, schedule changes, and reminders are shared through these channels.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
✨ Here’s to a wonderful and successful 2026 with WLTG! ✨

​🎭 Important Theater Program Information
The Without Limits Theater Group is excited to announce that we will be producing
Shrek the Musical – Kids Edition this season!
If you are interested in participating, please register using the link below:
📝 Register Here

🎬 Auditions & Communication

• Audition materials and sign-ups will be posted on the Without Limits – The Arts Facebook page
• If you are not yet a member of that group, please request to join so you don’t miss important updates

🗓️ Rehearsal Details

• When: Saturdays at 10:30 AM
• Where: Stars R Us Studio, Mascoutah
• First Rehearsal: Saturday, January 17
  • This will be an all-cast rehearsal
  • Scripts will be distributed
  • Theater expectations and basic rules will be reviewed

💵 Program Fees

• $25 one-time fee per participant for the year
• Family cap: $50 total for families with more than two participants
• Payment accepted via Venmo, cash, or check
  • Checks payable to Without Limits – Team Galaxy

🎟️ Performance Details

• Show date and venue: To Be Determined
• Show will likely take place in July, similar to past seasons

📧 Questions?
Email us at [email protected]
We are very excited to kick off another theater season --
let’s make this show the best one yet! 🎶✨

​🍦 FREE EVENT — Special Olympics Ice Cream Social 
#ScoopsForSpecialOlympics
Join us for a fun and informative evening celebrating Special Olympics!
📅 Friday, January 9, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Moose Lodge
2425 North Illinois Street, Swansea, IL 62226
Learn more about everything Special Olympics Illinois has to offer while enjoying a sweet treat with friends and family!
📸 Important Reminder⚠️ You MUST be registered to attend this event.
This is a free event, but registration is required for entry.
We hope to see you there for a fun night of ice cream, information, and community! 🍨💙

🏀 Basketball!
The 2025–2026 basketball season practices will be held at:
📍 First Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd, Belleville
🕕 Skills Team: Monday at 6:00 PM
🕖 Boys Team: Monday at 7:00 PM
👧 Girls Teams: Thursday 6:00–8:00 PM
Basketball Regionals in Trenton starting at 8AM for Teams and 9AM for Skills

🎉 Young Athletes Program
Time:  Sundays 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Location: World Class Gymnastics
This program is designed for children ages 2-7 years old, with and without intellectual disabilities. We focus on developing motor, social, emotional, and learning skills through fun sports activities.
Sign up by email:  [email protected]

​❄️ Congratulations, Jamal! + Polar Plunge Sign-Up Info
We are excited to share that Jamal has been selected as the 2026 Polar Plunge Ambassador for the Carlyle Lake location, taking place this February!
This is a tremendous honor and a well-deserved recognition. As an ambassador, Jamal will help represent the courage, excitement, and community spirit that make the Polar Plunge such a powerful fundraiser and celebration for athletes across the state.

🧊 Want to Join the Polar Plunge at Carlyle Lake?
​Registration is open through Special Olympics Illinois and is easy to complete:

1. Visit the Special Olympics Illinois Polar Plunge website
2. Select Carlyle Lake as your plunge location
3. Create or join a team (or plunge as an individual)
4. Start fundraising and get ready to take the plunge!

📍 Plunge Location: Carlyle Lake
📅 Event Timing: February 2026 (exact date to be announced)
Whether you plunge, fundraise, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps support year-round Special Olympics programs for athletes across Illinois.
💙 Congratulations again, Jamal — and let’s make Carlyle Lake a big splash in 2026!

​🎉 Milestone Achievement: WLTG is officially a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit!
We are proud and excited to announce that Without Limits – Team Galaxy (WLTG) has officially received IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit certification.
This designation is a major milestone for our organization. It formally recognizes WLTG as a charitable nonprofit and allows us to:

• Accept tax-deductible donations
• Apply for grants and funding opportunities
• Strengthen long-term sustainability for our programs
• Expand services and opportunities for our athletes and families

💙 A Heartfelt Thank You
This achievement did not happen overnight.  In fact it to over a year to navigate the legal complexities and recent naming / contact changes.  We extend our sincere thanks to the board members and especially Ellen Schwoebel who worked tirelessly throughout the year to make this possible. From planning and documentation to countless hours of coordination and follow-through—this was truly an effort.
Your dedication, persistence, and belief in our mission helped turn vision into reality.

🚀 What This Means Going Forward
With 501(c)(3) status secured, WLTG is better positioned than ever to:

• Grow our sports, arts, and social programs
• Build stronger community partnerships
• Increase fundraising impact
• Ensure long-term stability and transparency

Most importantly, it allows us to continue creating inclusive, empowering opportunities without limits for the individuals and families we serve.
Thank you for being part of this journey—and for helping us reach this incredible milestone together.
The future of WLTG is brighter than ever.

​✨ Cosmic Christians Gathering
Join us for Cosmic Christians on
📅 Tuesday, January 13
🕡 6:30 PM
📧 For more information or questions, please email
[email protected]
We look forward to connecting and sharing together!

🙋‍♀️ WANTED!!! COACHES NEEDED!
We’re looking for passionate, energetic leaders to help our athletes shine this season!

• ✨ Athletics (Track & Field)
• ❄️ Cornhole (begins in January)

If you or someone you know is interested in coaching, please reach out to us — no prior experience required, just a big heart and a desire to make a difference!
Contact us today!!!

📲 Stay Connected with Without Limits – Team Galaxy!
Want the latest updates, event photos, practice changes, and athlete highlights?
Follow us on social media and never miss a moment!
➡️ Facebook Page WLTG: @WithoutLimitsTeamGalaxy
➡️ Facebook Group SO Cheer: @WithoutLimitsTeamGalaxySOCheer
➡️ Facebook Group WL-The Arts: @WithoutLimitsTeamGalaxyArts
➡️ Facebook Page WL Dance Co.: @WithoutLimitsTeamGalaxyDanceCo
➡️ Facebook Group WL-Parents Group: @WithoutLimitsTeamGalaxyParents
➡️ Instagram: @withoutlimits_teamgalaxy

🎉 Get behind-the-scenes looks, important reminders, and celebrate the incredible achievements of our athletes and volunteers.

👕 WLTG Merch Store – Now Open!
Check out our updated merchandise with the new logo!