Special Olympics

Heartwood hosts Special Olympic Basketball games with other center based schools or Alumni Teams. Students and staff travel to away games and play in tournaments. Staff and students recite the Special Olympic Oath and fill the gymnasium with excitement.

"Let me win, But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."  ~ Special Olympic athlete oath

Bowling is a favored event at Heartwood School. Once a year all students participate in Special Olympic Bowling. Students earn ribbons and special awards for "Strikes" and "Spares."

Ingham ISD staff fully supports Michigan's Special Olympics by plunging into freezing cold water or by donating money to show support. This plunge as well as several across the state help raise money to support Special Olympic Teams with the cost of equipment, travel expenses, uniforms and supplies. 

Track and Field encourages athletes of all abilities and ages to compete at their optimum level.  Students are given opportunities to learn through:

• skill development
• competitive settings
• be involved in large social settings

Special Olympics Winter Games is growing. Approximately 900 students bundle up and display their winter athletics in a variety of events. Heartwood and SAIL (Skills for Adult Independent Living) students brought home ribbons, medals and proud smiles.

Special Olympics Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children. Children of all abilities take part, and they all benefit.