We offer recreational opportunities in some of our sports, especially for those just getting involved in our sports programs, beginning at age five. Any individual, age eight or older who has been identified by the schools or other human service agency as having an intellectual disability, is offered the opportunity to participate in programs offered by Special Olympics Indiana through our agency. Applications and releases are required to participate. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. Micah.Gallion@HappinessBag.org
Fresh Air Club
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The Fresh Air Club is open to our friends, their families and/or support staff to join and encourages to become active either through walking, learning yoga or dance - all without judgement but with ample amounts of encouragement. The Fresh Air Club meeting sites will vary from outdoor venues to onsite at Happiness Bag. Details about the opportunities of the Fresh Air Club will be shared in the Happiness Bag newsletter.
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Recreational + Special Olympics Bowling
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Bowling is held on Thursday and Friday evenings in the fall and spring at the Terre Haute Bowling Center and on Sunday afternoons at Patrick’s in Sullivan. Bowlers train and compete in preparation for the Special Olympics bowling tourney or can opt to bowl for the “love of the sport” and socialization with their peers. We utilize ramps, handle balls, etc. for those in need of extra assistance. Youth bowlers, ages 5-8, are also welcome to participate (although are not eligible for Special Olympic competition) to develop strength and an understanding of the game in preparation of future participation in Special Olympics. We have the distinction of having the only bowling league solely designed for individuals with special needs and also the largest organized bowling league in the Wabash Valley – topping 160 participants during the 2019 league season!
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Recreational + Special Olympics Corn Toss
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In mid-July, practices commence for corn-toss – a part of the annual EKS (Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics). Athletes can compete on a traditional or Unified two or four person team. Additionally, options are provided for long or short board competitions.
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Recreational + Special Olympics Basketball
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December not only brings the beginning of the holiday season, but the start of the Rec league and Special Olympics basketball season. Athletes with more developed basketball skills and abilities are encouraged to participate with the Special Olympics travel team. These athletes train & practice 2-3 times per week and are required to travel and compete in games/tournaments qualifying them for the State Special Olympic tourney in March. We also host rec leagues athletes competing in this division, train and practice 1-2 times per week throughout the month of January. In February, teams begin competition against their peers in five on five and three on three divisions. All Rec League games and practices are conducted at our facility.
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Recreational + Special Olympics Bocce Ball
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In April, the bocce ball season begins. Considered a “Masters level” sport, bocce is only available to athletes 30 years of age and older. The Area 7 Special Olympic Spring Games are held in May in which all practice and prep are catered to. For those who compete at the area level, athletes prepare for the Indiana Special Olympics State Summer Games, held in June at Indiana State University. Athletes who wish to participate in the Summer Games must compete in the area games, too. Athletes can chose to participate in unified or traditional bocce ball. Athletes are placed in divisions according to their ages and entry scores and will compete against over 2600 athletes from across the State of Indiana.
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Special Olympics Track and Field
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Come April, practice for the Area 7 Special Olympic Spring Games is underway. For those who compete at the area level, athletes prepare for the Indiana Special Olympics State Summer Games, held the first weekend of June at Indiana State University. Athletes who wish to participate in the Summer Games must compete in the area games, too. Athletes are placed in divisions according to their ages and entry scores and will compete against over 2600 athletes from across the State of Indiana.
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Special Olympics Cycling
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Beginning in April, cycling practice begins. Athletes competing in cycling can choose two-wheel bike, tandem, or tricycle. Athletes prepare for the Indiana Special Olympics State Summer Games, held in June at Indiana State University. Athletes are placed in divisions according to their ages and entry scores and will compete against over 2600 athletes from across the State of Indiana.
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Special Olympics Aquatics
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April starts aquatics season and athletes begin practicing to compete in the Area 7 Special Olympic Spring Games held in May. For those who compete at the area level, athletes prepare for the Indiana Special Olympics State Summer Games, held the first weekend of June at Indiana State University. Athletes who wish to participate in the Summer Games must compete in the area games, too. Athletes are placed in divisions according to their ages and entry scores and will compete against over 2600 athletes from across the State of Indiana.
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Recreational Sports + Special Olympics Programs
Coming Soon
- Recreational sports for ages 3 -7
- Unified Fitness Program Special Olympics
- Champs for Pilot Program Special Olympics
- Athlete Leadership Special Olympics