About Us
The South Region Stars provides an opportunity for indivdiuals with intellectual disabilities to compete in sports at a level with which they are comfortable. Our competitive athletes range from age eight to sixty-eight.
We have four sports seasons, with various sports offered during each. Participation is free; however athletes do need to pay a $25 fee to compete at the state level (we do have some funding for scholarships).
Athletes are always assigned to compete against those in a similar age bracket and/or at a similar skill level. Our goal is to make our athletes fill good about themselves and proud of what they can accomplish. The number one rule, stated so wonderfully by former coach Keanne Cameron, is HAVE FUN!
The South Region Stars is one of many teams hosted by Special Olympics of Minnesota. Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, believes that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with intellectual and physical disabilities. We are proud of our association.
MISSION OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF MINNESOTA
Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.
AREA 12
Special Olympics Minnesota is divided into 12 Area Programs to faciliate competition opportunities. Each of these Area Programs is managed by volunteer Area Coordinators and their Area Sports Management Team. The South Region Stars is part of the Area 12 delegation. Although our teams practice in the northern parts of Dakota County, we welcome any athlete who finds our programs the right mix, fit, and convenience.
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ELIGIBILITY
There is no maximum age limitation for participation in Special Olympics. The minimum age requirement for participation in competition is eight. Children who are at least six years old can participate in age-appropriate training programs, however not every delegation is able to accommodate six and seven year olds. Click here to learn more about eligibility.
Young Athletes is an innovative sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities, designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age eight. For more information, visit SOMN's Young Athletes page.