Special Needs
Program for Children and Adults with Special Needs

These programs provide extra structure, accommodations, and staff to help ensure a successful experience for children and adults with a variety of special needs. Contact Sharon Dutkowski, Special Needs Coordinator, for more information at sdutkowski@nsymca.org

Art

A fun way to develop fine motor skills
using clay, watercolors, and various other mediums.

Cheerleading

Learn the basics of cheerleading including tumbling and routines with the team. The team will have the opportunity to perform the routine they learn at local cheer competitions.

Dance

Learn the basics of the various forms of dance including ballet, jazz and modern in addition to creative movement.

Fit ‘N Fun Conditioning

A variety of sports and fitness activities that improve function, increase activity levels and movement in a fun and social atmosphere. Helps to improve fitness levels while interacting with others. All classes with 5 or more participants will have an instructor’s aide.

Personal Training

Work one-on-one with a nationally certified personal trainer to improve strength, coordination, agility and overall health.

Yoga

Have fun while building strength, and flexibility, increasing concentration and managing stress.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

We also offer a variety of program options in conjunction with Special Olympics of Illinois (www.soill.org). Participants have the option to participate in the class only or also compete in local Special Olympic competitions with other athletes.

Special Olympics Individual Basketball Skills (Sept – March)
One of the most popular sports in Illinois, Basketball provides competition for both teams and individuals. Individuals can participate in the Basketball Individual Skills class to develop basic basketball skills. This class provides meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels. It is not for athletes who can already play the game. Events include the Wall Pass, 10 Meter Dribble and Spot Shot events.

Basketball Facts
Basketball became an officially recognized sport of Special Olympics at the first Special Olympics International Games in Chicago in 1968. Individual Skills participants can compete locally in Area Qualifying events. Individuals who win a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Basketball Tournament held in Normal in March.

Special Olympics Aquatics (year round)
Aquatics, which is considered a life time activity, is appropriate for a range of ages and abilities. Join for fun or to be able to compete with other athletes. Participants learn a variety of strokes.

Aquatics Facts
Aquatics was one of the first sports officially recognized by Special Olympics at the first Special Olympics International competition held in Chicago in 1968. Athletes in Illinois who participate in aquatics can compete locally in a district qualifier. Gold medal winners are then eligible to advance to the state level competition held at the Summer Games in Normal in June.

Aquatics Events Offered in Illinois
*Backstroke – 25, 50 and 100 Meter
*Breaststroke – 25, 50, and 100 Meter
*Butterfly – 25, 50 and 100 Meter
*Freestyle – 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 Meter
*Individual Medley – 100 Meter (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle)
*Relays – 4X25 Meter, 4X50 Meter, 4X100 Meter Freestyle
4X25 Meter Medley (Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle)

Special Olympics Powerlifting (year round)
Powerlifting provides not only a test of strength but also perseverance. This can be a physically demanding sport which improves with consistent practice. Athletes can compete in one, two or three events combined. Athletes in Illinois who participate in Powerlifting compete locally at Area qualifying events. Athletes are then eligible to advance to state level competition at the Summer Games held in Normal in June.

Powerlifting Events Offered in Illinois
*Bench Press
*Deadlift
*Squat Lift
*Combined Bench and Deadlift
*Combined Bench, Deadlift and Squat

Gymnastics (January – June)
Gymnastics combines strength, flexibility and artistry. Competition is offered in men’s and women’s events in artistic gymnastics utilizing beams, bars, vault and floor exercise equipment. Rhythmic competition is available using rope, ball, hoop and ribbon.

Gymnastics Facts
Gymnastics began an officially recognized sport of Special Olympics in 1972 at the World Summer Games. Gymnastics was introduced as a sport in Illinois in 1975. Athletes in Illinois who participate in gymnastics compete locally at a district qualifier. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state level competition at the Summer Games held in Normal in June.

Gymnastics Events Offered in Illinois
Women’s Artistic Events
*Floor Exercise
*Balance Beam
*Vault
*Uneven Parallel Bars
*All Around
Men’s Artistic Events
*Floor Exercise
*Vault
Rhythmic Gymnastics
*Rope
*Hoop
*Ribbon
*Ball
*All Around

Soccer (January – June)
Soccer (Football) is the world’s most popular sport. Athletes have the opportunity to compete on teams of 5 including a goalie as well as in individual skills events.

Soccer Facts
Athletes in Illinois who participate in Soccer compete locally in Area qualifying events. They are then eligible to advance to state level competition at the Summer games held in Normal in June.

Soccer Events Offered in Illinois
Traditional
*5 on 5 a side Team Competition
Developmental
*Individual Skills Events (Dribbling, Shooting, Run and Kick)

SUMMER DAY CAMP (June – August)

Summer Camp at YMCA Camp H.A.W.K.S.

Check out the options that your family has for summer camp at the Y