Special Olympics Pierce County

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)

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)

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)

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 Soccer Soccer 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+ Location: Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Fields, 836-998 124th St S, Tacoma, WA 98444 (map) Code Day Dates Time Location Register by 19106 Thursdays March 21-June 7, 2024 5:30-7:00 pm PLU Athletic Fields 3/13/2024

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+

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+

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+

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).

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).

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.