Special Olympics

Eligible Participants

Special Olympic participates are persons age 8 and older identified by an agency or professional as having intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that do or have required specifically designed instruction.

Individuals with profound intellectual disabilities are able to participate in Special Olympics! With the aid of Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), developed by physical educators, physical therapists and recreation therapists, participants excel in events such as Challenge Days. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than competition.
Please contact Jennifer Hart with eligibility questions at (641) 754-5715.

The following forms need to be filled out and sent to the Park and Rec office.    Once they are on file, the athlete does not need to submit them again.  Physicals need to be completed every 3 years.

Athlete Registration Form        Release Form          Athlete Renewal Form    

Register ONLINE  for the sports the athlete would like to participate in.

• Bowling (registration deadline: September 19th, 2025)
  • District Competition is Friday October 17th at Perfect Games (Ames, IA)
  • State Competition is Saturday, November 22nd 
• Snowshoeing (registration deadline: December 5th, 2025)
  • Winter Games Competition is Monday January 11th though Wednesday January 14th at Sundown Mountain in Dubuque IA
• Cross Country Skiing (registration deadline: December 5th, 2025)
  • Winter Games Competition is Monday January 11th though Wednesday January 14th at Sundown Mountain in Dubuque IA
• Basketball Skills (registration deadline: December 19th, 2025)
  • District Competition is Thursday, January 21st, 2026 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Marshalltown, IA
  • State Competition is Saturday, March 14th, 2026 in Iowa City, IA.
• Dance (registration deadline: January 2nd, 2026)
  • State Competition is Saturday, March 14th, 2026 in Iowa City, IA.
• Swimming (registration deadline: TBD)
  • State Competition is TBD
• Track & Field (registration deadline: April 10th, 2026)
  • District Competition is TBD
  • State Competition is Friday May 15th and Saturday, May 16th at Iowa State University, Ames
• Cycling (registration deadline: March 13th, 2026)
  • State Competition is Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at Iowa State University, Ames
• Taekwondo - Currently Full

Follow Marshalltown Parks & Rec Super Stars on Facebook for more information.

Impact on Athletes

Special Olympics participants develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only their abilities and talents but "their voices" as well. There is no cost to participate, however some activities have some associated costs.

Become a Coach

Volunteers

Special Olympics needs volunteers to support our athletes!  Volunteers may sit or stand with an athlete while awaiting an event, or coach an athlete in a sport.  Anyone willing to volunteer will be matched with a task to assist an athlete.  Find additional volunteer information and an application below.  Please contact Jennifer Hart with questions at (641) 754-5715, Ext. 3.

Special Olympics Coaching Information & Application

Weather Cancellations

Follow us on Facebook at Marshalltown Parks and Recreation, or listen to the local radio stations (AM 1230-KFJB, FM 101.1-KIX, AM 1090-KDAO or FM99.5-KDAO).