If you’re the parent of a child that has an intellectual disability, it can be difficult to join a mainstream local sports team. Fortunately, many Kansas City organizations provide opportunities throughout the year to participate in a wide variety of sports.
Adaptive or inclusive recreation opportunities often feature coaches who have experience or degrees in working with these unique kids, a 1:1 support buddy to help assist the child with whatever they may need, and modified rules and equipment to help each child thrive.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Signing Up
- Due to the fact that drowning is an increased danger for autistic children, as well as the limited resources for teaching this population, swim classes fill up quickly. Be sure to get on email lists and check early and often for openings.
- Many sports are offered multiple times a year, so if a section is currently full for a desired sport, continue to check back for more openings.
- Some sports provide transportation at a low cost if needed.
- Opportunities provided by city Parks and Recreation departments are also open to non-residents for a slightly higher fee. So, if there is a sport in Olathe and you live in Kansas City, you can still sign up!
- Most sports start at age 8, but there are a few for ages 4 and up, and some with no age limit at all.
- All sports are co-ed unless stated otherwise.
Adaptive or Inclusive Sports Programs in Kansas City
Olathe
Olathe Parks and Recreation
- T-Ball – ages 6 and up, 8 week season, $40
- Softball – ages 8 and up, 8 week season, $40
- Bowling – ages 8 and up, 16 week season, $135
- Swim – ages 6 and up, twice a week for 4 weeks, $85
- Basketball – ages 4 and up, 8 week season, $40
- Golf – ages 8 and up, 8 week season, $40
- Bocce – ages 8 and up, 4 week season, $35
- Fishing – ages 8 and up, 4 week season, $35
- Pickleball – ages 8 and up, 8 week season, $40
KC Metro Challenger Football
Although located in Olathe, this flag football team is for everyone in Missouri and Kansas. Starting at ages 5 and up, the team starts and plays each Fall and is free for participants!
TOPSoccer
Located at the TOCA FC Fieldhouse in Olathe, TOPSoccer provides adaptive soccer to a variety of ages and skill levels.
Overland Park
Blue Valley Streaks
The Blue Valley Streaks is the Overland Park Special Olympics team that participate in a wide variety of sporting events throughout the year, including tennis, soccer, cycling, track and field, bocce, cornhole, bowling, aquatics, softball and golf. Participants must be at least 8 years old to participate.
Shawnee
Johnson County Parks and Rec
Like Olathe, Johnson County Parks and Rec also has an extremely active adaptive recreation program with the majority of activities located in Shawnee, KS. These sports are offered multiple times a year and are ages 8 and up unless stated otherwise.
- Aquatics – 8 week session, $30
- Bocce – 8 week season, $25
- Flag Football – 6 week season, $25
- Golf – 8 week season, $30
- Ice Skating – 8 week season, $40
- Soccer – 8 week season, $30
- Tennis – 8 week season, $30
- Track and Field – 8 week season, $30
- Bowling – 4 week season, $33
YMCA Adaptive/Challenger Program
Youth ages 6 and up can participate in Challenger baseball. This 6-week season plays on Wednesday evenings in Shawnee. $40 for the season.
Jackson County
YMCA Adaptive/Challenger Program (Northland)
Starting in May, youth ages 6 and up can participate in Challenger baseball. This 6-week season plays on Tuesday evenings in the Northland. $40 for the season.
YMCA Adaptive/Challenger Program (Lee’s Summit)
Youth ages 6 and up can participate in Challenger baseball. This 6-week season plays on Monday evenings in Lee’s Summit. $40 for the season.
Kansas City STARS
If you have a son or daughter who loves soccer, do NOT miss this unique experience! STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation Soccer) is unique because the program is developed and supported by a wide range of coaches, special needs experts, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists to provide a place to practice soccer and developmental skills simultaneously. For more information and registration, click on the website above for more information.
Exceptionals Softball (Blue Springs)
Located in Blue Springs, the Exceptionals is open to any child 5 and older with any form of special needs. On Monday nights in May and June at either 6:30 or 7:30, this free league provides volunteers to help participants on the field.
KU SEA -Sensory Enhanced Aquatics (Downtown)
Arguably the best resource for swim in the Kansas City area, KU Med has partnered with occupational therapists to provide 1:1 swim lessons for autistic children. The program is available for children ages 4 and older and consists of eight 30-minute lessons.This program fills up quickly, so be sure to register as soon as it opens. Registration for summer lessons begins mid-May, registration for fall lessons begins mid-August, and registration for spring lessons begins early December.
