February 2, 2026 newsletter

Schedule at a Glance (details below)
💳 Membership Dues for 2026 - Due!!!
​📊 Finance Committee Meeting (3/3) (see below for details)
🎉 Fun Night - February 14th (see details below)
🦈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 Artistic Gymnastics / Cheer Practice or Young Athlete this week
❌No Shrek Rehearsal this week
​✨ Cosmic Christians Gathering - February 10 (see below for details)
🎀 Rhythmic Gymnastics - Practice this week! 
🩰Dance Schedule for February (see below) 
​
📅 Important Update:
Health History Form Requirements Effective January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, new requirements will be in place for the Health History form. Please pay close attention to the following:
If any of the below questions are answered YES, a doctor's signature will be required on a generated medical form:

• Has the athlete had a concussion in the last 30 days?
  • (Triggered by the date of concussion question)
• Has a doctor ever limited your participation in sports?
  • (Answer “Yes” only if long-term or ongoing restrictions are in place due to a medical condition. Temporary limitations do not count.)
  • If answered ‘yes,’ an additional checklist item will prompt for details on sports restrictions.

Actions Required:

• Medical Form Generation: If any questions trigger a "yes" response, a medical form will be generated and added to the athlete’s checklist on their COE profile.
• Approval Process: Athletes will not be approved until the medical form is completed, signed by a doctor, and re-uploaded into the COE.

Important Notes:

• This requirement applies only to new or edited health history forms submitted after January 1, 2026.
• Previously approved forms will remain unaffected.

Stay informed and ensure compliance to keep our athletes safe and healthy!

💲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].

🎉 Important Update — Fun Night Date Change
Due to another scheduled event at the Moose Lodge on Friday, February 13, we were concerned there would not be enough parking available for all attendees.  We sincerely apologize to anyone who has already signed up and may no longer be able to attend due to this change.

As a result,
Fun Night has been moved to the following day.
📅 NEW DATE: Saturday, February 14, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Moose Lodge, 2425 North Illinois Street, Swansea

🔔 Important Registration Note
If you previously registered for Friday and can still attend on Saturday, you must re-register to reserve your spot.
📝 Register here:
https://www.withoutlimits-teamgalaxy.com/february-14-2026-fun-night.html#/
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
We hope to see everyone on Saturday, February 14 from 6–9 PM for another great Fun Night!

​🦈 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:

• 2/3 ballet/tap
• 2/10 tap/jazz
• 2/17 jazz/ hip hop
• 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! ✨

🌍💙 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

​⚽️ Soccer!
Looking to start soccer practice on February 17th from 6:30 to 7:30PM on Tuesday.  
📍 First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd, Bellevill
Need Assistance: We currently do not have a skills coach, so if anyone is interested in coaching soccer, we’d love to hear from you! We already have a head coach on board, but additional support would be fantastic.
Get ready to kick off a great season—sign up today!  [email protected]

​🤸‍♂️ Artistic Gymnastics Team!
When: No practice this week - 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:  No practice this week  -  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]

🧊 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. 

​✨ Cosmic Christians Gathering
Join us for Cosmic Christians on
📅 Tuesday, February 10
🕡 6:30 to 7:30PM
📧 For more information or questions, please email:  [email protected]
WE have members who have formed a Christian based group who meets monthly.  All are welcome! 
Talking about your faith with friends, games, snacks, fun, community service.  
If there are any members interested in starting any other faith / spiritual based groups, please email:  [email protected]

​🍻 Join Us for the 3rd Annual Polar Pub Crawl! ❄️
Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Downtown O'Fallon, IL
Get ready to have fun for a great cause at our 3rd Annual Polar Pub Crawl, benefiting the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Illinois Region J! Join us as we support local businesses and raise a glass to our athletes, with 100% of proceeds going directly to help athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in their favorite sports and develop friendships and life skills—at no cost to their families.

• Click here to register: Register Now!

Please remember to designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service if you choose to drink. Check the attached link and flyer for full details.
Let’s crawl for a cause and make a difference 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!