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Special Olympics Pierce County
Basketball Clinic with PLU
Improve your basketball skills by attending the pre-season Special Olympics basketball clinic hosted by Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) SAAC students. After the clinic athletes and Pierce County Staff will watch the first half of the PLU women’s basketball game and then be recognized during halftime!
General Day of Schedule:
- 2:00-3:30 p.m. - Basketball Clinic
- 3:45-4:30 p.m. - Snack/break
- 4:45 p.m. - PLU women’s basketball game/recognized at halftime
The clinic will conclude at 5:00 p.m. Those who traveled independently and wish to stay for the remainder of the game are welcome to, but no Pierce County staff will be onsite after 5:00 p.m.
For: Ages 8+
When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (tentative) |
Location: | Memorial Gym, PLU |
Fees: | $10 /person |
Registration: | Register online by December 1, 2023 |
Special Olympics Cheerleading
Athletes will learn the fundamentals of cheerleading and dance. Coaches will teach the technical elements of motions, jumps, and dance routines. Pierce County Parks will offer cheer practice on Wednesday evenings in Puyallup. All abilities are welcome!
This registration includes practice, sub-regional, and regional competitions if offered by Special Olympics Washington. It does not include state competition. If a team qualifies for state competition, there will be a separate registration fee. Pierce County Parks will provide a cheer uniform. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel (black shorts, white socks, and sneakers must be worn.)
All athletes must have an updated Athlete Medical Form before the first practice (which must be completed every 3 years).
For: Ages 8+
Dates: | Wednesdays, December 2, 2023 - February 28, 2024 |
Time: | 5:30-7:00 pm |
Location: | Meridian Habitat Park 14422 Meridian E, South Hill Puyallup, WA 98375 (map) |
Fee: | $110 -Transportation to and from regional competitions PROVIDED. $90 - Transportation to and from regional competitions NOT PROVIDED. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competition. |
Registration: | Register online by December 1, 2023 |
Special Olympics Basketball
Pierce County Parks will provide athletes with a basketball jersey. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel (shorts, socks, and sneakers must be worn.)
For: Ages 8+
Dates: | December 11, 2023 - February 28, 2024 |
Time: | 6:30-8:30 pm |
Location: | People’s Center & Lakewood Community Center |
Fee: | $100 -Transportation to and from regional competitions PROVIDED. $80 - Transportation to and from regional competitions NOT PROVIDED. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competition. |
Registration: | Register online by December 1, 2023 |
Young Athletes
Young Athletes is an inclusive sports program for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities. This program is comprised of research-based activities that build social and motor skills while engaging young children of all abilities. Young Athletes introduce basic sports skills like running, kicking, and throwing. Siblings and friends are encouraged to join!
Code | Day | Dates | Time | Location | Register by |
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19099 | Thursdays | Jan. 4-25 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Lakewood Community Center | 1/3/2024 |
19100 | Thursdays | Feb. 8-29 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Lakewood Community Center | 2/7/2024 |
19101 | Saturdays | Mar. 9-30 | 1:00-2:00 pm | Lakewood Community Center | 3/8/2024 |
Swimming
This is an intermediate/advanced level swimming program and is not recommended for beginners. A limited number of spots are available. The tentative tournament dates: The Southwest Regional Competition is scheduled for April 27-28, the Regional Competition is on May 11-12, and the State Spring Games at Pacific Lutheran University are scheduled for June 7-9.
All athletes must have an updated Athlete Medical Form before the first practice (must be completed every 3 years). If the athlete's medical is not up to date, the athlete WILL NOT be able to participate. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR COACHES! We need coaches to make this program a success. Please reach out to Grant Hampton if you're interested in coaching!
For: Ages 8+
Location: Pacific Lutheran University Pool, 849 124th St S, Tacoma, WA 98444 (map)
Code | Day | Dates | Time | Location | Register by |
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19116 | Mondays | March 11-June 3, 2024 | 6:30-7:30 pm | PLU Swimming Pool | 3/6/2024 |
Special Olympics Sports Banquet
Calling all Pierce County Parks 2023-2024 athletes, coaches, friends, and family! Come and enjoy lunch and an award ceremony recognizing athletes ages 8 and older for their achievements.
For: Ages 8+
Location: STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 (map)
Code | Day | Dates | Time | Location | Register by |
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19102 | Saturday | March 15, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 pm | STAR Center | 3/11/2024 |
Special Olympics Track & Field
Special Olympics Washington offers many track and field events, including hurdle events, marathons, high jump, long jump, shot put, relays, and wheelchair events.
Tentative tournament 2024 dates: The Southwest Sub-Regional Competition is scheduled for April 27-28, the Regional Competition on May 11-12, and the State Spring Games at Pacific Lutheran University are scheduled for June 7-9. When you register for track and field it includes one practice each week plus a regional and state competition.
All athletes must have an updated Athlete Medical Form before the first practice (must be completed every 3 years). If the athlete's medical is not up to date, the athlete WILL NOT be able to participate. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule.
For: Ages 8+
Location: Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Track, 836-998 128th St. South, Tacoma, 98444 (map)
Code | Day | Dates | Time | Location | Register by |
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19103 | Thursdays | March 21-June 7, 2024 | 5:30-7:00 pm | PLU Track | 3/13/24 |
WE ARE LOOKING FOR COACHES! We need coaches to make this program a success. Please reach out to Karli Schwimmer if you're interested in coaching!
Special Olympics SoccerSoccer is a wonderful sport for all abilities. Athletes who participate in soccer are able to improve their overall physical fitness through training and competition, and athletes learn firsthand the benefits of playing as a team, which promotes communication, camaraderie, and friendship. The Southwest Regional Athletic Competition date has not yet been released and State Spring Games at Pacific Lutheran University are scheduled for June 9-11. Your registration includes one practice/week, regional, and state competition. | |||||||||||||
All athletes must have an updated Athlete Medical Form before the first practice (must be completed every 3 years). If the athlete's medical is not up to date, the athlete WILL NOT be able to participate. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule. WE ARE LOOKING FOR COACHES! We need coaches to make this program a success. Please reach out to Grant Hampton if you're interested in coaching! For: Ages 8+
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Special Olympics Golf
Imagine yourself hanging out with friends on a beautiful summer morning at Meadow Park Golf Course. Each Monday we'll practice putting, chipping, and driving. Or if you would like to participate in Unified golf you will partner with a partner of your choice to compete as a team on the Williams Nine (a family-friendly 9-hole course.) Please note: Southwest Regional Golf Competition dates have not been released yet. Pierce County Parks golf practice schedule runs June 26 - August 21. Registration includes one practice each week (except 7/10) and a regional competition. If a team qualifies for state competition, there will be a separate registration fee If transportation is needed. For: Ages 8+ |
When: | June 26-August 21, 2023 (no class July 10) Mondays, 10:00-11:30 AM |
Location: | Meadow Park Golf Course 7108 Lakewood Dr. W. Tacoma, WA 98467 (map) |
Fees: | $60 - I have a Pierce County Parks golf polo from the 2022 season $80 - I need a new Pierce County Parks golf polo for the 2023 season $20 - Family & friend team shirt purchase |
Registration: | Register online by June 19 |
Special Olympics Softball
We'll meet each week at Heidelberg Sports Complex for practice. Please note: Southwest Regional and State Softball Competition date(s) are not available. The 2022 Pierce County Parks softball practice schedule runs June 22 - August 24.
Registration includes one practice each week and a regional competition. If you need transportation to and from the competition, please make sure to select the transportation price fee, if you do not need transportation select only the base fee. If a team qualifies for state competition, there will be a separate registration fee If transportation is needed.
For: Ages 8+
When: | June 22-August 24, 2023 Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 PM |
Location: | Heidelberg Davis Park 1902 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405 (map) |
Fees: | $10 ***add on - Transportation to and from Regional State competitions PROVIDED. $50 - I have a Pierce County Parks softball shirt from 2022 season $70 - I need a new Pierce County Parks softball shirt for the 2023 season $20 - Family & friend team shirt purchase |
Register: | Register online by June 20 |
Eatonville Sports Clinic
Meet Pierce County Parks Specialized Recreation staff at Lakewood Community Center and ride out to Eatonville High School for a fun day of Special Olympics sports! Your registration fee includes transportation to and from Eatonville, lunch, and staff supervision at the clinic. At the clinic, you’ll have the opportunity to try out a series of sports throughout different sessions. Sports offered at the clinic will include basketball, cheer, soccer, athletics... and more! Athletes are encouraged to participate in all sports offered, even if they’ve never played them before. More detailed information about what to expect at the clinic will be sent out as we get closer to July. Limited spaces are available, so make sure to register to save your spot!
For: Ages 8+
When: | Saturday, July 15 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (tentative) |
Location: | Eatonville High School - Meet at Lakewood Community Center |
Fees: | $20 /person |
Registration: | Register online by July 14 |
Questions? Contact:
Grant Hampton, Recreation Coordinator
(253) 798-4074 | email
Special Olympics Bowling - 2 Locations
Did you know bowling is one of the fastest-growing Special Olympics sports? Come join the competitive fun by registering for Pierce County Alley Cat's Special Olympics bowling team! We'll meet each week at Daffodil Bowl in Puyallup or Paradise Lanes in Tacoma for practice (pick the day/location that works best for you!).
Please note: Special Olympics Bowling Regionals will be on October 29 at Bowlero Lanes in Lakewood. Washington State Games will be November 17-19 at a location yet to be determined.
Registration: Registration includes practices and regional competitions. Pierce County Parks will provide athletes with a bowling shirt. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel.
All athletes must have an updated Athlete Medical Form before the first practice (which must be completed every 3 years).
Puyallup Location: | |
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Dates: | Wednesdays, September13-November 15 |
Time: | 3:30-5:00 pm |
Location: | Daffodil Bowl 1624 E. Main Street, Puyallup, WA 98372 (map) |
Fee: | $100/person - Fee includes transportation to and from Regional competitions |
Registration: | Register online by September 11, 2023 |
Tacoma Location: | |
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Dates: | Fridays, September 15-November 17 |
Time: | 3:30-5:00 pm |
Location: | Paradise Lanes Entertainment Center 12505 Pacific Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444 (map) |
Fee: | $100/person - Fee includes transportation to and from Regional competitions |
Registration: | Register online by September 11, 2023 |
Flag Football
Fall is upon us, and that means football! Join us for Flag Football, a great non-contact activity that will teach basic skills such as catching, throwing accuracy, contactless defense, and even field goal kicking - along with a healthy dose of cardio! All ability levels are welcome and remember to wear active clothing and bring water. Please note: Special Olympics has not released the 2023 Fall competition details.
Please note: Special Olympics Flag Football Regionals will be on November 4 at Puyallup Valley Sports Complex. Washington State Games will be November 17-19 at a location yet to be determined.
Registration: Registration includes practices and regional competitions. Pierce County Parks will provide athletes with a jersey. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel.
All athletes must have an updated Athlete Medical Form before the first practice (which must be completed every 3 years).
Dates: | Wednesdays, September 13-November 15 |
Time: | 5:30-7:00 pm |
Location: | SERA - Multipurpose Field at SERA 6002 S Adams St. Tacoma, WA 98409 (map) |
Fee: | $90/athlete - Fee includes transportation to and from Regional competitions $70/athlete - Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competitions is not provided. |
Registration: | Register online by September 11 |
Youth Athletes
Young Athletes is an all-inclusive sports program for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities. This program is comprised of research-based activities that build social and motor skills while engaging young children of all abilities. Young Athletes introduce basic sports skills like running, kicking, and throwing.
When: | October 7-November 18, 2023 Saturdays, 1:00-2:00 PM |
Location: | Lakewood Community Center 9112 Lakewood Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA 98444 (map) |
Fee: | FREE |
Register | Register online by October 5 |
Athletes:
Who is eligible?
Identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disability; a cognitive delay as determined by standardized measures such as intelligence quotient or other generally accepted measures; or a closely related development disability, i.e., functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills.
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, athletes must:
- Be at least 8 years old
- Pay an athletic participation fee per event
Required Athlete Forms:
- Athlete Medical Form (Must be completed every 3 years)
Volunteers:
Members of the public can volunteer at any of the events. As a volunteer working at a Special Olympics program, you are required to have a background check and complete the Protective Behavior Quiz and Orientation Video /Quiz. Please complete the Special Olympics background check and Protective Behavior Quiz & Orientation Video /Quiz.
To volunteer, please complete and submit the following:
Unified Partner Volunteers:
Unified sports join people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes.
- For the summer season, Pierce County Parks is looking for unified partners on Monday mornings from 10:00-11:30 am to partner with a Special Olympics athlete on the golf course. Unified partners will walk the course and golf 9 holes with their partner and compete at the Regional Competition on Sunday, August 6.
- For the fall season, unified bowling partners and flag football partners are needed to attend practices and compete at regional and state competitions if the team qualifies. Please note: Special Olympics Washington has not released the 2023 Fall competition details yet.
Unified partners do not have to pay a registration fee and will accrue volunteer hours for attending practices and competitions. This is a wonderful opportunity for students looking for a fun worthwhile way to earn volunteer hours.
To be a Unified Partner volunteer, please complete and submit the following:
How to submit the Pierce County Parks Volunteer form:
Send electronically: | Drop off the form at either: |
Questions? Contact:
Grant Hampton, Recreation Coordinator
(253) 798-4074 | email