February 17, 2026 newsletter

Schedule at a Glance (details below)
💳 Membership Dues for 2026 - Due!!!
​📊 Finance Committee Meeting (3/3) (see below for details)
🦈Swimming Season 2026 - Practice every Sunday (see below for details)
🏀Basketball Practice this week!  (see below for details)
⚽️ Soccer Practice starts February 17th!  (see details below)
❌ No Rhythmic Gymnastics - Practice this week! 
🩰Dance Schedule for February (see below) 

💲2026 Membership Fees are Due!!!
💻 Pay your dues online via Square link 
A paid membership will be required in 2026 to attend any WLTG sport / cheer / dance / event / activity.

​📊 Finance Committee Meeting (March 24th)
Join us for the Finance Committee Meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 PM via Google Meets.
If you’re interested in being part of the committee or would like to attend the meeting, please reach out to 
We look forward to your participation!  Bob Lutz at [email protected].

​📺 TEAM GALAXY IN THE SPOTLIGHT!
We are excited to share some incredible news!
Out of all the ambassadors in Region J, Jamal was personally handpicked by Tim Stempel to be interviewed on KSDK Channel 5 this Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM!

Jamal will be representing the Polar Plunge, with Tim joining him for the segment. What an amazing honor — and a proud moment for Team Galaxy!

Be sure to tune in and support Jamal as he shines on the big stage! 🌟
Congratulations, Jamal — we are so proud of you! 💙

🧊 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!

​🦈 2026 WLTG Sharks Swim Teams!
The 2026 Swimming Season has begun!  — running January through May. 
Registration is closed due to capacity / safety limitations. 
📍 Location of Swimming Pool is:   Collinsville / Maryville / Troy YMCA.
Schedule

• Development group will have the pool from 3PM to 4PM
• Competitive group will have the pool from 4PM to 5PM

Season Schedule

• Regional Event Swim Meet - March 28th - Saturday (8:30AM) @ Edwardsville High School Pool Facility (same as last year)
• Summer Games - State Meet - TBD mid June - @ Bloomington / Normal

Swim Suit Ordering
Delivery dates will be March 10-12th.  If you want suit by regional ORDER NOW!
Fit Kits will be available at Practice for the next two practices.  
https://www.agonswim.com/teams/139499 -​ Order Form 
Let’s make waves this season, Sharks! 💙🏊‍♂️

🩰 Dance Class Schedule
February dance schedule
For bright stars and shining stars on Tuesdays:​

• 2/17 Classes Canceled
• 2/24 ballet/tap

​📌 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! ✨

🌎 HELP OUR DREAM TEAM REPRESENT THE USA!
We’re looking for sponsors with heart.
Our Without Limits Special Olympics Cheer Team has been given an extraordinary opportunity to represent the United States on the world stage at the 2026 ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando.

This once-in-a-lifetime moment celebrates the hard work, courage, and unstoppable spirit of our athletes. But getting there comes with significant travel, training, and uniform expenses — and we need our community’s support to make this dream possible.

We are seeking sponsors who believe in inclusion, opportunity, and empowering incredible athletes to shine.

If you know of a company or individual who may be interested in helping our Dream Team get to Orlando, your generosity would mean the world.

✨ Sponsorship opportunities range from Sparkle Sponsor to Champion Sponsor levels.
✨ Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.

📩 To learn how you can make a meaningful impact, contact:
Nicole Fuehne – [email protected]
Lisa Elbe – [email protected]
Visit our webpage here

⭐ NOTE: Our first Sparkle Sponsor has already been confirmed — more details coming soon!
Let’s rally together and show the world what Without Limits – Team Galaxy is all about. 💫

🌍💙 2026 Millstadt Autism Walk - It’s a Small World 💙
🌍Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Join us for the 2026 Millstadt Autism Walk, themed "It’s a Small World," inspired by the message of unity and empathy from Disney. This year’s walk celebrates our shared humanity, reminding us that no matter our differences, we are all connected.

Participants will journey through various cultures, engaging all senses along the route. The focus is on celebration, learning, and togetherness, highlighting the strength of our close-knit Millstadt community.

✨ Volunteers Needed! ✨
We’re looking for volunteers to represent different countries or regions. Whether it's through décor, music, movement, or sensory-friendly elements, your contributions can help bring cultures to life in a joyful way.
So far, we have a local family excited to showcase Middle Eastern culture, and we aim to include areas like Holland, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, and more!

If you’re interested in helping, please reach out to Kelly. Together, we can make this walk a beautiful celebration of community and connection. Let’s hope for a sunny April day 🌞 because we all share the same sky!

🏀 Basketball!
The 2025–2026 basketball season practices will be held at:
📍 First Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd, Belleville
🕕 Skills Team: Monday at 6:00-7:00 PM
👧 Girls Teams: Thursday 6:00–8:00 PM

🏀 State Basketball--March 13-15--Bloomington, IL
Friday, March 13, 2026   

• 9:30am – 5:00pm Team Competition for Female Teams, Junior Teams & High School Teams – Horton Field House & Shirk Center  
• *Team competition for Female and Junior Divisions will be played on Friday, March 13th only. Some High School Divisions may finish on Saturday morning.

Saturday, March 14, 2026 

• 11:00am – 2:00pm Individual Skills Competition Registration – Normal Community High School 

Illinois State University Horton Field House  / Main & College Avenue / Normal, IL 
Normal Community High School / 3900 E Raab Rd / Normal, IL 61761 
Illinois Wesleyan University Shirk Center / 302 E. Emerson / Bloomington, IL  ​

​⚽️ Soccer!
Soccer practice starts on February 17th from 6:30 to 7:30PM on Tuesday.  
📍 First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd, Belleville
Get ready to kick off a great season—sign up today!  [email protected]

​🤸‍♂️ Artistic Gymnastics Team!
When: Saturdays at 8:00 AM
Where: World Class Gymnastics
Artistic Gymnastics has begun, and we invite all levels—both male and female—to join our team! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gymnast, there's a place for you to shine. Come flip, tumble, and have fun with us!

🎀 Rhythmic Gymnastics Now Open!
When: Practice this week - Sundays at 10:30 AM
Where: Stealth Cheer Gym
Rhythmic Gymnastics has also started! Join us on Sundays to explore this beautiful blend of dance and gymnastics. All skill levels are welcome—come express yourself and learn new 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]

📲 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!