Special Olympics
Special Olympics
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for all children and adults with disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.
There are 12 different areas in the State of Ohio we are in area 12, along with Lake County, Lorain County, and Cuyahoga County.
You must be 8 years of age or older and have a current Application for Participation signed by their physician and on file with the Recreation Department.
Money may be asked for certain sports and certain activities. The fee has never exceeded $30.00 which usually is for overnight lodging.
Geauga County offers 10 different sports throughout the year. We practice once a week anywhere from 9 weeks to 15 weeks at Metzenbaum unless stated otherwise. Practices are held after work and school typically from 3:00-5:00, parents/guardians are asked to pick up the athletes after practice. There are area events that take place throughout the year. You must compete in the area meet in order to attend the State meet.
Fall Sports
Team Bowling
Starts the beginning of September and runs through the end of October. A team consists of 2 or 4 players. The state meet for this sport is the end of October. Practices are held at Ernst Lanes.
Swimming
Starts in the middle of September and runs through the beginning of December, we normally practice at Wembley club in Bainbridge. The area event is the beginning of November and the State meet is the beginning of December.
Basketball
Starts the middle of November and runs through the end of March. There are many games scheduled against other organizations throughout the season, the playoffs for state take place the end of March and if we win we attend the State Championship the end of March. Spring Sports
Individual Bowling
Starts the middle of February and runs through the middle of April. Practices are held at Ernst Lanes, the area event is in the middle of April and the State event is in Columbus the end of June at Summer Games
Volleyball
Starts the beginning of April and runs through the end of June. It is modified slightly, the ball is bigger and softer and the server may move into the court to serve the ball. The area event is in the beginning of May and the State event is in Columbus end of June at Summer Games.
Track and Field
Starts the beginning of April and runs through the end of June. There are all sorts of events that are offered, walking, running, wheelchair competition, softball throw, long jump and relays. The area event is in the beginning of May and the State event is in Columbus end of June at Summer Games.
Developmental and Motor Activities
Starts the beginning of April and runs through the end of May. There are many events in this sport, rolling over, bean bag toss, walking, wheelchair races bicycling (50 meters or less) and softball throw.
Soccer
Starts the beginning of April and runs through the end of May. The game is played with two teams each consisting with 5 players one of whom is the goalkeeper.
Summer Sports
Softball
Starts the beginning of July and runs through the beginning of September. A team consists of no more than 15 players. Games are scheduled against other teams throughout the season. The area event is held in August and the State event takes place in the beginning of September.
Golf
Starts the beginning July and runs through the end of August. This is a unified sport; an athlete is paired up with a partner from the community. They use one ball and will alternate shots until the ball is holed out. The area event is at the end of August.
Due to the increase of participation we are in the process of setting up non competitive leagues for different sports. This will give everyone an opportunity to learn specific sport skills in a fun non threatening type atmosphere. This year we will be offering Basketball and softball skills which will take place in the summer.
If you have any questions about Special Olympics, whether it be competing or volunteering please contact Bonnie Veleba or Michelle Avram in the Recreation Department at Geauga County Board of MR/DD.
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