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Special Olympics In Muscatine
Special Olympics provides activities for people with Intellectual Disabilities, so they may make connections with people in their community. Special Olympics is an International program of year-round sports and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. There are approximately 130 individuals involved in the Muscatine County Special Olympics program. Special Olympics athletes are men, women, boys and girls. They are like other athletes. They train and compete. They learn to win and to lose. They strive to do their best. They inspire us.
EVENT DATES
January 9-10: Winter Games for Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing at Sundown Ski and Albrecht Acres, Dubuque
January 21: District Basketball Tournament for both Team and Skills at North Scott Jr. High School, Eldridge
February TBD: District Swim Meet
March 10-11: Spring Classic for Team Basketball, Basketball Skills and Power-Lifting at Iowa City and Coralville
April 15: East Area Track & Field competition at North Scott Jr. High School, Eldridge
May TBD: Torch Bike Ride to kick off Summer Games, 9:00am from Muscatine to Riverside
May 25-27: State Summer Games for Track & Field, Soccer Skills, Swimming & Bocce at ISU Campus, Ames
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Five Muscatine Special Olympic Athletes recently had the opportunity to attend the Athlete Leadership Conference in Des Moines. Global Messengers and Unified pairs from across Iowa learned about leadership skills, teambuilding techniques, and spread the message of inclusion.
Athletes also attended a dance, socialized with other athletes from across the state, and had a lot of fun. Our Muscatine Team is excited to put their new skills to use!
PLAY DAY RETURNS
In November the Muscatine Community YMCA welcomed more than 50 young athletes, their teachers & paras, and many volunteers for the return of Muscatine Young Athletes Play Day.
Young children (3-7 year olds) with and without intellectual disabilities enjoyed 12 stations around the gymnasium. Each station allowed them to participate, practice, and enjoy Special Olympic-like sports. They also enjoyed opening ceremonies & awards.
The goals of the day were to increase strength & coordination while learning group play and cooperation. This rewarding event and the big smiles on their faces remind us all about the importance of being active—and included!
Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities for every athlete, regardless of gender, age or ability. No matter what the ability level, there is a benefit from Special Olympics. No matter what the interest—there is a sport for you. Prior to participation in the program, a Special Olympic athlete must complete an application and release of information form. These forms can be received from Jason Miller, Special Olympics Program Director, at the Y.