About the Team
Our team consists of athletes and coaches at a variety of skating levels, from the most beginner levels to those working on jumps and spins. No matter what level of skating you or your skater is at, we have coaches to teach the skills necessary. Athletes must be a minimum of 6 years old to join the team, and 8 years old to enter a Special Olympics competition. All eligible athletes are highly encouraged to enter at least one Special Olympics competition annually.
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Practice Time
We hold practices every Saturday from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm at Rockville Ice Arena (Address: 50 Southlawn Ct, Rockville, MD 20850; Website: http://www.rockvilleicearena.com/). Practice ice is shared with other group lessons and is usually held on Rink 1 but can vary depending on the ice arena's scheduled events. Practice is cancelled when Rockville Ice Arena hosts a hockey tournament and when inclement weather would make the commute a risky proposition. Our Head Coach sends out a weekly email to team members to announce the practice schedule.
How to Join
Eligible athletes are all children and adults (at least 8-years old) with an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay, or a closely related developmental disability. There is no maximum age limit. Children ages 6-7 may participate in Special Olympics training, but may not compete.
Athletes (ages 8 and up) are highly encouraged to enter the annual Ice World figure skating competition under the Special Olympics category, held at Ice World in Abingdon, MD in late March/early April. Team practices are constructed with this goal in mind, so that all eligible athletes of any skill level are sufficiently prepared to have a successful experience. Athletes who enter competitions must be USFS-registered, which requires a small membership fee. USFS membership is coordinated through the team at the beginning of each skating year.
Prospective figure skating athletes must complete a Special Olympics Athlete Medical form and an Athlete Participation Form. Completed forms are to be turned in to the team’s SOMD Program Coordinator. Forms are to be renewed every 3 years.
Since figure skating is not recognized as a state-level Special Olympics sport by the State of Maryland at this time, there is no need to apply for our team through the SOMD site. Our roster size is only limited by the number of volunteer coaches we have in order to maintain the 1:1 athlete to coach ratio.
Inquiries may be sent to our team’s SOMD Program Coordinator.
Athletes (ages 8 and up) are highly encouraged to enter the annual Ice World figure skating competition under the Special Olympics category, held at Ice World in Abingdon, MD in late March/early April. Team practices are constructed with this goal in mind, so that all eligible athletes of any skill level are sufficiently prepared to have a successful experience. Athletes who enter competitions must be USFS-registered, which requires a small membership fee. USFS membership is coordinated through the team at the beginning of each skating year.
Prospective figure skating athletes must complete a Special Olympics Athlete Medical form and an Athlete Participation Form. Completed forms are to be turned in to the team’s SOMD Program Coordinator. Forms are to be renewed every 3 years.
Since figure skating is not recognized as a state-level Special Olympics sport by the State of Maryland at this time, there is no need to apply for our team through the SOMD site. Our roster size is only limited by the number of volunteer coaches we have in order to maintain the 1:1 athlete to coach ratio.
Inquiries may be sent to our team’s SOMD Program Coordinator.
