Newsletter for June 9th 2025

Events / Activities / Updates

WLTG Organizational Announcement
We would like to inform our members that a leadership transition has occurred within Without Limits – Team Galaxy. Rich Crothers has stepped down from his position as Special Olympics Athletics Director (SOAD), and we extend our sincere thanks for his years of service and dedication to our athletes.

Amanda Lutz has been named to serve as SOAD effective immediately. In this role, Amanda will oversee athlete registrations, Center of Excellence Portal (CoE), coach certifications, event coordination, and serve as the primary liaison with Special Olympics Illinois.

We are also pleased to announce that Mari Seper will lead the Sports Committee, working closely with Amanda to support the planning, communication, and coordination of our athletic programs.

Please join us in welcoming Amanda and Mari into their new leadership roles. We’re excited for their teamwork and commitment as we continue to build a strong and supportive environment for all of our athletes and families.

Summer Games
Will be held in two weeks on 20 June.  Information and schedules are now being shared online and by your direct coaches. 

• SOIL Summer Games Website - Info, Activities, Services, Schedules
• Summer Games Handbook - Printable document with all information found on website
• Summer Games Map Link - Printable map for locations of events / activities
• Dorm assignments have been made and an email with details should have been received by those planning on staying in the dorms.  
• Contact your direct coach with any questions 

Transportation Disclaimer:  

• WLTG does not provide transportation to or during State Games and is not liable for independently organized transportation.

Upcoming changes to schedules:
To align practices for each sports the following will be implemented after 27 August:

• Softball: Mondays - Mascoutah High School Softball field @ 6:00 to 7:30
• Soccer & Soccer skills: Tuesdays - Laderman Park @ 6:00
• Track: Wednesdays - Mascoutah High School track @ 6:00
• Golf: Thursdays - Orchards Belleville @ 6:00
• Tennis: Saturdays - Mascoutah tennis courts @ 9:00
• Once summer games are over Flag Football will replace soccer on Tuesday.
  Volleyball will be on Wednesdays

WLTG Prom Night

• Date:  Friday, June 13, 2025
• Place:  Moose Lodge 1221 - 2425 N. Illinois Street, Swansea, IL
• Time:   6:00 - 9:00pm
• Meal will be pasta, breadsticks and dessert
• Must be Registered to Attend

Fun Night Committee Meeting - June 10th

• Tuesday, June 10th at 7:00pm at the Moose in Swansea.
• New committee members welcome
• Help WLTG plan the next Fun Nights for our members!

Arts Committee Meeting - June 14th

• Saturday - June 14th at 11:15AM
• Stars R Us Dance Studio
• This committee will advise the Without Limits Arts activities (dance, theater, anything else artsy)
  This first meeting we will discuss:
  - How often we should meet
  - July recital logistics and volunteer needs
  - Seussical logistics and volunteer needs
  - Committee budget
  - Any ideas for future artistic projects or classes for next season
  We welcome anyone that would like to join the committee.
  Hope to see you on the 14th
• See Facebook Event to RSVP

Shriners Parade Thank You!
A quick thanks to all that attended the Bellville Shriners parade last week.  It was a great event and we had a great time!  More parades will be coming soon!  

Caring for Families

• This is for parents and anyone who takes care of someone. Support Group focus. 
• We are taking an interest poll so let us know and we will get back to you. 
• For contact info - it’s at the time or in person when you see​

2025 Membership Dues are Due
We have a number of unpaid sports Membership Fees that have not been paid.  If you have been contacted by Marcia in regards to this, please pay them.  Thank you all!  

Its a new year and with a the new year comes our membership dues.  
To complete your 2025 Membership Dues, please visit our online Square to make your payment!  

2025 Event Dates & Deadlines Website Links

• 2025 Special Olympics of IL Event Dates & Deadlines 
• Fun Nights for 2025 - Schedules

Dance / Theater / Gymnastics / Cheer

Artistic Gymnastics

• Sundays 9:00-10:00am
• Gateway Elite Gymnastics -- 700 Old Collinsville Road / Fairview Heights, IL 62208

​Rhythmic Gymnastics:

• Wednesdays
• 5:15 pm Group 1
• 6:00 pm Group 2 
• Stars R Us Dance Studio / 9241 B Bellar Dr., / Mascoutah, IL

Dance Scheduling  --  Choreography / Practice Scheduling
See the latest schedule on the "Without Limits - The Arts" Facebook page!!

Theater Schedule​

• This week's schedule:
  Sat. June 14th, 10:30am, Review pgs. 38-46
  People needed:
  - Cats (1-3)
  - Wickershams (1-3)
  - Jungle Citizens (1-5)
  - Horton
  - Sour Kangaroo
  - Vlad Vladikoff

Theater Group Announcements
We have a venue!!!! Thanks to everyone that helped and reached out to places. Special thanks to Alice Howe who literally went knocking on doors for me.

• VENUE: O'Fallon First United Methodist Church
• 504 E Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL (across from the high school)
• SHOW DATE: July 19, 2025
• TIMES: 12 NOON AND 2 PM
• REHEARSAL DAYS AT THE CHURCH:   July 15, 16, 17, 18 from 6 to 8 pm each night

SHOW SHIRTS are now available for order. They will be white short sleeve T shirts with Seussical logo on front and cast on back.
Prices are:

• $18.00 youth sizes & Adult S, M, L, XL
• $20.00 for XXL $21.00 for 3XL $22.00 for 4XL
• To place an order please Email [email protected]
• Payment can be check (made payable to Ellen Schwoebel) or venmo (@schwoebels)

Other WL theater merchandise is still available to order.

• To place an order please Email [email protected]
• Payment can be check (made payable to Ellen Schwoebel) or venmo (@schwoebels)

Further info about the venue. Keep in mind this venue is a church so all participants and their family members must be respectful of the property at all times.

• The venue is small. Backstage areas will be cramped.
• The church is excited to help us

​
I Feel Like Dancin' Recital

• If your dancer is doing their solo / duo / trio at recital, contact Kati Hassal
• Recital is scheduled for Saturday, July 12th at 2PM
• To be held at Christ Church - Scott Campus

Nutcracker & Theater & Dance Updates - Exciting News for 2025!  From Kati!!!
See the latest schedule on the "Without Limits - The Arts" Facebook page!!

Nutcracker 2025:

• Rehearsals Begin: June 2025  
• Performance Date: December 2025  
• Nutcracker Tea: Prior to the performance – an opportunity for friends and family to take pictures and meet our beloved characters! Date to be announced.  

Important Nutcracker Notes:

• If you were assigned a part and wish to keep it, **let me know ASAP.**
• If you were assigned a part but no longer want to participate, **let me know ASAP.**
• If you were not originally cast but want to participate, **let me know ASAP.** I would love to include you!
• We are returning to the original Nutcracker version – forget any new choreography you may have started. We’re going back to the classic!  

General Reminders: 

• Stay tuned to our Facebook page for class updates.  
• We follow Mascoutah school cancellations – if they’re closed, so are we. 
• Purchase your "SO-Cheer Gear" today!!!

The Merch Store is Open with new Logo
Follow the link and order today!

Sports & Athletics

Sport Organizational Announcement

• A leadership transition has taken place within Without Limits – Team Galaxy.
• Rich Crothers has stepped down as Special Olympics Athletics Director (SOAD). We thank him sincerely for his years of service and dedication to our athletes.
• Amanda Lutz has been named SOAD, effective immediately. She will oversee athlete registrations, coach certifications, event coordination, and communication with Special Olympics Illinois.
• Mari Seper will lead the Sports Committee, working closely with Amanda to support planning and coordination of athletic programs.

Please join us in welcoming Amanda and Meri into their new leadership roles. We look forward to their teamwork and continued commitment to our athletes and families. 

🏈 Coach Needed – Flag Football at Without Limits - Team Galaxy! 🌟

• Do you love sports, teamwork, and making a difference? We're looking for a passionate volunteer to coach our Flag Football team this season!
• As coach, you’ll lead practices, build skills, and help create unforgettable memories.
• No prior coaching experience required—just commitment, patience, and a positive attitude!
• Interested? Contact us today at: [email protected]
• Help us empower our athletes—be the coach who inspires!

🌟 We Need You — Volunteer Coaches & Helpers Wanted! 🌟

• As Without Limits - Team Galaxy continues to grow, so does our need for amazing coaches and volunteers! To keep our sports programs fun, safe, and impactful, we must meet athlete-to-coach ratio guidelines—and we’re currently short in several areas.
• Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply passionate about inclusion and teamwork, we have a place for you. No experience? No problem—training is provided!
• Your time and energy help create life-changing opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
• Interested in coaching or helping out? Email us at: [email protected]
• Join us and be part of something extraordinary!

Coaches Training
Region J will be holding a coaches training session on 16 July. Most activities will be held inside to avoid the heat or rain. There will be special sessions for Basketball, Volleyball, Bocce, softball and track. Coaches this is an opportunity to get your certification in your sport you coach.

Requirements for Special Olympics Sports at WLTG
There are three steps that need to be done / accomplished before joining Without Limits-Team Galaxy (WLTG) Sports or prior to their first practices. 

1. Each member must have a Without Limit-Team Galaxy membership and must be in the Special Olympics Digital Center of Excellence (COE).  If you have questions about the COE, please contact Amanda Lutz
2. You must also have a Waiver and Release on file with WLTG.
3. If you need to pay your WLTG annual membership fees:  please contact Ellen Schwoebel.  If you need a membership, you can bring a check to the first practice.  

​Sports Committee Needs You! 
The Without Limits-Team Galaxy Sports Committee is looking for any parent or coach that would like to be on the community. We would address Special Olympics sports, coaching and assuring we have the right equipment. If interested in part of the committee, please contact Mari Seaper

WTLG Upcoming Sports
We will be starting an interest for the following sports real soon; tennis, golf and softball. Please note: Signing up is important. This way we can assure Without Limits-Team Galaxy has enough coaches and resources. If interested in one of those sports, please contact Without Limits Team Galaxy.

Sharks Swimming Team - 2025 

• Last practice with be June 15
• The annual Coach's Race will be held!  Who will win?
• State is almost here!  Go Sharks!!  Make sure you read your emails.  
• Purchase your "Shark-ware" today!!!​

Golf 2025

• Practices will be held every Thursday at  Orchards Golf Course at 6PM
• Regionals will be August 1st
• Questions feel free to email Jeff Elder or call his cell @ 314-780-1696.

Soccer Teams & Skills

• Soccer practice is this Tuesday (June 10)  will be at Laderman Park. Practice will run from 6:00 to 7:00.
• State will be on 20-22 June 2025
• Soccer Camp will be on 17 June at 5:00 at O’Fallon Family Sportsplex Park.=
  • We will be on field #1. Show time is 4:45 if possible.
    Wear uniform: Without Limits-Team Galaxy jersey, black shorts, black socks (must cover shin
    guards).
  • We will do a camp and then play a scrimmage. I am also trying to arrange another
    game for June.
• Skill athletes are invited.

Athletic Teams / Track & Field

• Track practice will be held on June 11 (Wednesday) at Mascoutah High School at 6:00.
• Practices will continue to be on Wednesdays next week at 6PM
• State will be on 20-22 June 2025

Tennis​

• Practices will be on Saturday’s at 9:00 at Mascoutah High School Tennis courts.
• With the recent organizational changes, the new Team Coach will be Lisa Elbe

​Flag Football

• Starting on June 24th (Tuesdays) at Laderman Park at 6PM
• Without Limits-Team Galaxy will be co-hosting a Flag Football game on 18 July in the evening in Edwardsville for Illinois and St. Louis Region.
• The co-host is a development program out of Dallas, Texas.
• Flag Football (Regional: 28 September in Mascoutah)

Softball

• Practice Mondays @ 6:00pm (Assume there is practice every Monday going forward! )
• Mascoutah High School 
• Please make sure your athlete has a glove / mit 
• A bat,  tennis shoes ( close toed shoes ) and water. 

We are going to ask for a commitment the regionals in Springfield, Illinois  July 26th 
If they win that date then we advance to State Softball September 6th

• Practices after that will be for all players . 
• Practices will be held at the Mascoutah high school at the softball field on Mondays at 6 pm they will probably last an hour to hour fifteen minutes. 
• Please email Jenn for questions and interest to play . 
• All athletes must be entered into the CoE and members of Without Limits - Team Galaxy

Volleyball

• We will be starting Volleyball on Wednesday evenings starting July 9th (6PM & 7PM starts)
• Practice will be help at the Leu Civic Center.
• One hour will be scheduled for Skills and one will be schedule for teams.
• Help us choose our shirt design here!!!!
• email:  withoutlimits-teamgalaxy.com to express your interest

Bags / Cornhole is coming soon!!!!
Interested?  A tournament will be scheduled sometime this summer.  

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