Transition
transition to community programs can start now
You don’t have to wait until you’re done with high school to start participating with a local community program. In fact, transition after high school can be easier if you try a sport or two while you’re still competing with your Unified High School team. The paperwork, expectations and general sports rules and structure are pretty much the same so it’s simply finding a local program that’s practice schedule and locations work for you.
UNIFIED PARTNERS are also needed as assistant coaches and program assistants so if you’re looking to stay involved with Special Olympics there is a place for you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are still working on fully developing our Unified sports model at the adult level so Unified sports are more limited than traditional Special Olympics sports options with community programs.
BASKETBALL SEASONS ARE STARTING SOON – Our community based sports programs are starting basketball season in December/January so it’s a great time for those athletes that want to continue to play basketball to look to join a team.
REMINDER: You can do both your Unified High School team and a community team at the same time.
FIND A TEAM
SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS LOCAL PROGRAMS
We have listed below those programs that we feel are most suited to accepting younger athletes in areas where we have a high concentration of Unified Champion Schools. Click on the program name to be taken to their website. To view all local program options, click here.
Kansas City Metro
Blue Valley Blue Streaks – Roman Pearson (rpearson@bluevalleyrec.org)
Olathe Trailblazers – Elizabeth Preston (eapreston@olatheks.org)
Johnson County Parks & Rec Stormin’ Rangers – Lise Dujakovich (Lise.Dujakovich@jocogov.org)
Bonner Springs Special Olympics – Tracy Ortiz (tortiz531@gmail.com)
Gardner Gold – Adriana Holopirek (aholopirek@gardnerkansas.gov)
Spring Hill – Jason Garvert (jasong@springhillrec.org)
Leavenworth County Special Olympics – Vicki Lozenski (vicki.lozenski@lvpioneers.org)
Lawrence/Topeka
Douglas County Jayhawks – Jacqui Folks (jacquifolks@gmail.com)
Topeka/Shawnee – Rita Kennedy (rjllk@yahoo.com)
Topeka Jr. Blues – Mike Molter (topekajrblues@gmail.com)
WHY STAY INVOLVED IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Why should an athlete continue involvement in Special Olympics Kansas as an adult?
Participation promotes:
- Further education
- Physical fitness
- Independent living
- Confidence
- Responsibility
- Friendships
- Employment
- Socialization
- Well-being
WANT SOMEONE ON OUR STAFF TO CONTACT YOU
Complete this quick form below and someone from our staff will contact you about transition to a community program.
