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There are approximately 30 team members, ages 10 to 40, each with cognitive disabilities (including Down�s Syndrome, autism and seizure disorders). The size of the team is limited because the safety of the swimmers is always of utmost concern. There are approximately 30 swimmers, ranging in age from 14 to 55, often allowing a one-to-one volunteer peer coach-to-swimmer ratio at many of our practices. Many of our peer coaches have been with the team since it started. They have included top finishers in the state of Illinois, and most are members of the Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Mundelein High School swim teams, Cats Aquatics Team, Libertyville Masters and other local swim clubs. Key Objectives: The Stars' key objective is to provide swim training and competition for individuals, 8 years and older, with intellectual disabilities in an integrated community setting. This unique program gives athletes opportunities to develop physical fitness and life safety skills, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with other Special Olympics athletes, their families, and the non-disabled community.
