Special Needs Programs

The Parks & Recreation Department offers various programs for persons with disabilities throught the year, including Special Olympics, Teen and Adult Social Club, and Camp Sunburst, a summer camp for participants ages 6 - 21.

Special Olympics
For participants ages 8 and up
The East Hartford Parks & Recreation Department takes great pride in partnering with Special Olympics CT to provide opportunities for special needs athletes to engage in athletic programs where athletes are able to participate in weekly practices and showcase their skills and abilities in state competitions, all while developing friendships and memories. Our highly experienced staff are devoted to working with each programs athletes in providing a positive environment and encouraging our athletes to strive to do their best.  The Parks & Recreation Department offers Special Olympics programs throughout the year with various competitive activities.

Currently Offering:

•  Bowling - Registration now open for Fall 2021!  See more information below.

Special Olympics Bowling
Practice Dates:  Saturdays, Oct 16^th - Dec 11^th
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:  Hall of Fame Silver Lanes, 748 Silver Ln, East Hartford 
Fee:  $90 for residents or $99 for non-residents
Activity #: 91002-1
Click here to register

Our Fall Bowling program will be adhering to the Special Olympics of Connecticut COVID-19 guidelines.  Mask must be worn while in the bowling facility. Prior to participating in any practices, Athletes and their parent/guardian(s)s are required to visit the Special Olympics of CT website at https://www.soct.org/forms/ and complete the following:

• View the Return to Activities (RTA) videos and documents. 
• Complete the RTA: Participant Code of Conduct and Risk Assessment Form*
• Complete the Waiver Form for Event Participants *

* Forms are to be turned in to Parks and Recreation staff by the first practice.

Note: All athletes must provide updated Special Olympics CT; Athlete Medical and Release forms PRIOR to registration. For competition purposes, all athletes must register PRIOR to the start of the first practice.The following forms must be filled out completely when registering for Special Olympics. Medical Forms are valid for three years.

• Click here to download the additional Medical Form required by Special Olympics.
• Click here to download the ADULT Athlete Release Form.
• Click here to download the MINOR Athlete Release Form.

Teen & Adult Social Club - programs are currently suspended until further notice
For participants with special needs, ages 13 & up
From bowling and the movies to paint nights and dances, there's something for everyone. Our experienced staff will provide a night of supervision and activities in addition to facilitating group interaction and fostering positive behaviors. Staff are trained in the field of special education and are able to provide the necessary skills to facilitate the program.
Click here to register online  Please note that while drop-ins are permitted for some events, pre-registration is highly encouraged for planning purposes. 

Camp Sunburst - will be offered for Summer 2021
Ages 6 - 21
A full day summer camp program, held for 7 weeks in the summer.