Lucas County Lightning Newsletter

Winter is quickly approaching, and that means a new season of sports!! This winter we will be offering Swimming, Basketball, Pep Squad, and Competitive Cheer Team. Please make sure you read the information for each before registering.  

To safely participate in Lucas County Special Olympics swim program, athletes must be able to swim 25 meters (typically one lap down the pool) by themselves without touching the bottom of the pool, grabbing the side or using a float. Swimming practice will be held weekly at St. Francis High School pool, at 2323 W. Bancroft St. Toledo, Ohio. The official start date and practice times will be provided once it is confirmed.

Everyone who registers for basketball will be required to participate in a screening/tryout before being placed on a team. This is due to the different skill levels of the teams/players and divisions within Special Olympics. 

Additionally, this allows the volunteer coaches to keep the teams as fair and competitive as possible. Each team roster limit is 15 players.

Unfortunately, this means some athletes may not make a team; however, if this is the case, you can be assigned to the skills team where you practice the basics of basketball which includes dribbling, shooting and passing. Once registration is closed, all registered athletes will receive an email with their tryout information. 

If you have spirit, then you may want to join the Lucas County Lightning Pep Squad or Competitive Cheer Team! You have two options to participate. 

First, you can join the Pep Squad that after a few practices, just cheers at home Special Olympics basketball games throughout the season.

The other option is to join the Competitive Cheer Team which requires attending practice on a weekly basis, performs during halftime at a few basketball games, and competes at the State Winter games in March.

Due to increased numbers, you must choose one cheer option:

1. Pep Squad: Cheer at home basketball games only
2. Competitive Cheer: Practice weekly and compete at State Winter Games

**Please note that due to the growing popularity of this sport, we may have to limit how many athletes cheer at home games due to space limitations during games.