The Belvidere Park District (BPD) Special Recreation participates in Special Olympics region and state competitions. Prior to competitions, athletes practice weekly at a BPD location for a minimum of 8 weeks per sport season. The BPD offers sports participation in the following ten sports: Swimming, Bocce, Track & Field, Golf Skills, Softball, Bowling, Flag Football, Volleyball, Basketball, and Snowshoe.

If you have questions about Special Olympics programming, contact Gina Ruvalcaba, Special Olympics Athletic Director (SOAD), at 815-547-5711 x602 or gruvalcaba@belviderepark.org.

Click here for the 2024 – 2025 Athlete/Parent Handbook.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT

Special Olympics (SO) training and competition is open to every person with intellectual disabilities, 8 years and older.  All athletes must have the following completed before participation:

• Current SO Athlete Consent Form. This form only needs to be completed one time for the duration of participation, unless guardianship changes.
• Current Athlete Medical Form on file with SO Illinois and the Belvidere Park District. This document is completed by an athlete/guardian and doctor every 3 years.  This document must be current through the state level of competition for each sport, prior to registration.
• Complete ePACT – personal information on athlete and required by BPD Special Recreation. Once registered for a sport, you will automatically receive an email with an invitation to edit the information on ePACT.
• Attend the annual Athlete/Parent Meeting each year, as it will include pertinent information for the upcoming season. If you are not able to attend, you must contact the SOAD.  2024 Parent Meeting Date:  September 10, 2024 – 6:15 – 7:15pm at the Special Recreation Facility, 6581 Revlon Dr.

Click on preferred language for a digital copy of the Consent Form (English) (Spanish) and/or Athlete Medical Form (English) (Spanish).

To determine if an Athlete Medical Form is current:

• use the use the Athlete Lookup Tool
• contact your agency SOAD,
• or contact your contact your SO Region Office

Current SPECIAL OLYMPICS Sports & Activities

Volleyball

Athletes will participate in the traditional team competition. Practices will focus on basic volleyball skills and sportsmanship. The team will participate in the Special Olympics Region A Volleyball tournament in September. Gold Medal teams will advance to Fall Games in October! (GR) Min/Max: 4/10 • Location: Rivers Edge Recreation Center • Transportation: NONE; provide to/from games & tournament • Register by: 7/10

REGISTER HERE

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Softball

Join us this summer for Special Olympics Softball! The team is for individuals who have mastered the basic skills of the sport such as hitting, throwing, and catching. Athletes must bring a softball glove & water bottle to each practice or game. Slow Pitch Teams will compete locally in games against other Region A teams. More information will be distributed the first night of practice. Individual skills is for those developing skills or are just beginning to learn the sport. The SO Regional Tournament will be in July. All gold medal winners will advance to a state-level competition held in September. (GR) Min/Max: 8/12 for teams, 4/12 for skills • Location: Sundstrand Park • Transportation: NONE; provide to/from games & tournament • Day: TUE • Register by: 5/29

REGISTER HERE

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Bowling

It’s time to roll some strikes! Join your teammates to prepare for the 2025 Region A tournament on August 16th & 17th! Fee includes shoes, three games of bowling, individual instruction; as needed, and transportation to/from tournaments and practices. Bowlers are placed on lanes by age and ability. No practice on 7/3. (GR) Min/Max: 12/18 • Location: Cherry Bowl • Transportation: Depart/Return Special Recreation Facility • Register by: 6/21

REGISTER HERE