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Special Olympics Pierce County
Winter Season Reminders:
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Special Olympics Basketball
Pierce County Parks will offer basketball practice on Monday and Wednesday evenings, either at the People's Center or Lakewood Community Center. Team options include 5 on 5 Team (full court), half-court 3-on-3, and team skills. Please note: Special Olympics Washington confirmed sub-regionals will be (1/22), Regionals (2/11), and Winter State Games (Wenatchee, March 3-5, 2023. Locations for sub-regionals are Olympia High School and Thurgood Marshall Middle School. This registration includes practice, sub-regional, and regional competitions, 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 athletes with a basketball jersey. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel (shorts, socks, and sneakers must be worn.)
***UPDATE:Originally Monday teams were not going to have Martin Luther King Day – We will have practice at People’s Center & Lakewood Community Center on Monday to get ready for sub-regionals.
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Dates: | December 12-March 1 (Mondays or Wednesdays) |
Time: | 6:30-8:30 pm |
Location: | People’s Center & Lakewood Community Center |
Fee: | $85 -Transportation to and from Sub-Regional & Regional competitions PROVIDED. $75 - Transportation to and from Sub-Regional & Regional competitions NOT PROVIDED. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competition. |
Registration: | Register online by December 2, 2022 |
NEW***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!
Please note: Special Olympics Washington confirmed NO REGIONAL COMPETITION FOR CHEER and all cheer teams will advance to Winter State Games in Wenatchee from March 3-5, 2023.
This registration includes practice, sub-regional, and regional competitions, it does not include state competition. If a team qualifies for state competition there will be a separate registration fee. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel (shorts, 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).
Dates: | Wednesdays, December 7-March 1 |
Time: | 5:30-7:00 pm |
Location: | Meridian Habitat Park 14422 Meridian E, South Hill Puyallup, WA 98375 (map) |
Fee: | $95 -Transportation to and from Sub-Regional & Regional competitions PROVIDED. $85 - Transportation to and from Sub-Regional & Regional competitions NOT PROVIDED. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competition. |
Registration: | Register online by December 2, 2022 |
Youth 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 introduces basic sports skills like running, kicking, and throwing.
When: | January 7-February 25, 2023 Saturdays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Location: | Lakewood Community Center 9112 Lakewood Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA 98444 (map) |
Fee: | $50/participant |
Register | Register online by January 5 |
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. 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, 2023. Your registration includes one practice each week, and 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.
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!
For: Ages 8+ | |
When: | Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 PM
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Locations: | Silas High School - 1202 N Orchard St, Tacoma, WA 98406 (map) Mount Tahoma High School Track - 4634 S 74th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 (map) |
Fee: | $50 - I have a Pierce County Parks track & field shirt from the 2022 season $70 - I need a new Pierce County Parks track shirt for the 2023 season $20 - Family & friend team shirt purchase |
Register: | Register online by March 15 |
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 Karli Schwimmer if you're interested in coaching! |
For: | Ages 8+ |
When: | March 15-June 7, 2023 Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 PM |
Location: | Chambers Creek Regional Park (Upper soccer fields east of the building by the restrooms) 9850 - 64th St. W, University Place WA 98467 (map) |
Fee: | $50 - I have a Pierce County Parks soccer shirt from the 2022 season $70 - I need a new Pierce County Parks soccer shirt for the 2023 season $20 - Family & friend team shirt purchase |
Register: | Register online by March 14 |
Swimming
This is an intermediate/advanced level swimming program and is not recommended for beginners. A limited number of spots are available. 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.
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 Karli Schwimmer if you're interested in coaching!
For: | Ages 8+ |
When: | March 13-June 5, 2023 Mondays, 6:00-7:00 PM |
Location: | Pacific Lutheran University Pool Yakima Avenue South and 124th Street South, Tacoma, WA 98444 (map) |
Fee: | $70/participant $20 - Family friend team shirt purchase |
Register: | Register online by March 10 |
Special Olympics Sports Banquet
Calling all Pierce County Parks 2022-2023 athletes, coaches, friends, and family! Come and enjoy lunch and an award ceremony recognizing athletes ages 8 and older for their achievements.
When: | March 18, 2023 Saturday, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
Location: | Environmental Services Building |
Fee: | $10/participant |
Register: | Register online by March 10 |
Questions? Contact:
Karli Schwimmer, Recreation Coordinator
(253) 798-4186 | email
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 is scheduled for August 21 at Lake Spanaway Golf Course in Tacoma, Washington. Registration includes one practice each week (except July 4) and regional competitions. If you need transportation to and from competitions, please make sure to select the transportation price fee, if you do not need transportation select only the base fee. |
When: | June 27-August 21, 2022 (7 weeks) Mondays, 10:00-11:30 AM |
Location: | Meadow Park Golf Course 7108 Lakewood Dr. W. Tacoma, WA 98467 (map) |
Fees: | $80 - Fee includes transportation to and from Regional competitions $60 - Transportation is NOT PROVIDED. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competitions. |
Registration | Register online by June 20 |
Special Olympics Softball
We'll meet each week at Heidelberg Sports Complex for practice. Please note: Southwest Regional Softball Competition is scheduled for August 13 at LBA Park in Olympia, Washington. The 2022 Pierce County Parks softball practice schedule runs June 23-August 25 (10 weeks).
Registration includes 1 practice each week and a regional competition. If you need transportation to and from competitions, please make sure to select the transportation price fee, if you do not need transportation select only the base fee.
All athletes must have an updated Athlete Medical Form before the first practice (which must be completed every 3 years). If the athlete's medical is not up-to-date, athletes 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 Karli Schwimmer if you're interested in coaching!
When: | June 23-August 25, 2022 Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 PM |
Location: | Heidelberg Davis Park 1902 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405 (map) |
Fees: | $90 (10 weeks) - Fee includes transportation to and from Regional competitions $70 (10 weeks) - Transportation is not provided. Athletes must plan for providing their own transportation to and from the competitions. |
Register: | Register online by June 9 |
Questions? Contact:
Karli Schwimmer, Recreation Coordinator
(253) 798-4186 | 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 for practice.
Please note: Special Olympics regional competition will be on October 29-30 at BOWLERO Lanes in Lakewood. State Fall Games will be in Tri-Cities, November 18–20.
Registration: Registration includes practices and regional competitions, 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 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, September 21-November 16 |
Time: | 3:30-5:00 pm |
Location: | Daffodil Bowl 1624 E. Main Street, Puyallup, WA 98372 (map) |
Fee: | $100 - Fee includes transportation to and from Regional competitions $80 - Transportation is NOT PROVIDED. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competitions. |
Registration: | Register online by September 11, 2022 |
Tacoma Location: | |
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Dates: | Fridays, September 23-November 18 ( No class 11/11) |
Time: | 3:30-5:00 pm |
Location: | Paradise Lanes Entertainment Center 12505 Pacific Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444 (map) |
Fee: | $100 - Fee includes transportation to and from Regional competitions $80 - Transportation is NOT PROVIDED. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competitions. |
Registration: | Register online by September 11, 2022 |
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 regional competition will be on October 16 at White River High School in Buckley. State Fall Games will be in Tri-Cities, November 18–20.
Registration: Registration includes practices and regional competitions, 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 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 21-November 16 |
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 - Transportation is not provided. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from the competitions. |
Registration: | Register online by September 11 |
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:
How to submit the Pierce County Parks Volunteer form:
Send electronically: | Drop off the form at either: |
Questions? Contact:
Karli Schwimmer, Recreation Coordinator
(253) 798-4186 | email