Washington Park · Springfield, IL
SPECIAL OLYMPICS – SPECIAL RECREATION The Springfield Park District provides training year-round for a variety of Special Olympics sports for youth, teens and adults with intellectual disabilities who are 8 years of age or older. Aquatics: Join our swim team and get great exercise during the winter months! Participants can learn and practice the following strokes; butterfly, breast stroke, freestyle, and backstroke. Participants MUST know how to swim to participate in this program. Athletics: Our track-and-field-based athletics training program focuses on developing total fitness to compete in any sport. Basketball: Come shoot some hoops and join in the Springfield Park District's Special Olympics basketball team. Work on dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and your offensive and defensive skills. This is a great team building sport and exceptional exercise during the colder months. Covid-19 guidelines in place during practice and Special Olympics Illinois competition. Bowling: Come on out and bowl with us! This program is inclusive, so you don’t need to have a disability to attend. This time is also used for our Special Olympics bowling team for qualifications. Powerlifting: Our program is designed to improve an athlete’s one rep max in the bench press, deadlift and squat. The goal of a successful routine is to improve the athlete’s powerlifting total. Soccer (Drills & Skills): Our program focuses on fun, sportsmanship, fundamental instruction, and opportunity. Learn hard work, teamwork, and social skills while having a great time discovering soccer! Softball: Get some great exercise with batting, throwing, catching, and running the bases. Softball is a fun team sport. In order to play on our team, you must have previous experience. If you're a beginner, feel free to practice with the team and compete in softball skills. Snowshoe: If you love the winter months and snow, we have the sport for you, join our snowshoe team! This sport consists of racing against other athletes in different meter distances with snowshoes on. Such races include 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and more. This is a great way to get exercise and stay in shape while having fun during the cold months. Criteria for Participation: All Special Olympic athletes must have a current, completed Application for Participation in Illinois Special Olympics form on file with the Special Recreation Supervisor at the Springfield Park District. This form has four sections: 1. Athletic Information 2. Parent / Guardian Authorization & Medical Authorization 3. Health Insurance and Emergency Information 4. Medical Clearance *MUST be completed by Physician Applications for Participation in Illinois Special Olympics are valid for 2 years based on the earliest signed date on the medical application form. Anyone interested in participating, starting a new sport, or volunteering, please contact Andre Hawkins at ahawkins@springfieldparks.org or call 217-585-2941, extension # 2307 Registration/Payment: Registration must be completed online. If you need assistance registering, please call us and we will be glad to help. Limited spots are available! Full payment must be received upon registration unless specific arrangements have been made with the Superintendent of Programming & Events or otherwise stated. Registrations will not be processed if a fee balance remains on your household. Supervisors, coordinators and program leaders MAY NOT receive payment or any type of forms at programs. The Springfield Park District does not prorate for late registration. Exceptions may be made (Example; new to the community). Behavior Code: The Springfield Park District encourages “Equal Fun for Everyone” and strives to achieve this principle within our programs. However, certain policies are necessary to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. All participants are expected to always demonstrate proper behavior. One’s behavior shall show respect to all participants, staff, volunteers, and patrons. Participants must refrain from using unsuitable language, refrain from causing bodily harm, and show respect to equipment, supplies and facilities. Additional policies may be developed for specific programs and camps. Discipline: A compassionate, positive approach will be used regarding discipline. The Springfield Park District reserves the right to dismiss participants. Each situation will be evaluated on its own merit. All programs, dates, times, locations, fees, and activities are tentative.
