The Special Sports Program provides a positive sports experience for mentally and/or physically challenged school aged children, five and up, throughout central Indiana, and has been a part of the Carmel Dads’ Club for approximately twenty-five years.  Each Saturday throughout the school year, participants get together to play T-ball, soccer, basketball, bowling and tennis.  In addition, participants also have the opportunity to take part in an annual soap box derby, in which they are paired with professional drivers for a thrilling ride down soap box hill.  Our program is an excellent stepping stone for those who might choose to participate in Special Olympics.  Everyone participates according to his or her interest and ability, and the rules of each sport are modified to meet each individual’s ability level.  Throughout the year the athletes are awarded trophies and other rewards to celebrate their participation in the program, and spectators and team members alike support the accomplishments of each athlete enthusiastically.  In addition, thanks to the generous support of Gordon Homes and MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids, each athlete will be presented with a commemorative Special Sports t-shirt to wear each week to sporting events.  

Due to monies raised through seven years of Special Sports Food and Wine Fests, a fund (The Rod Richardson and Carrie Hutnicke Fund for Special Sports) was established with the Carmel Dads’ Club.  This fund will continue to provide the resources necessary for all Special Sports activities to remain free forever for our participants.  A registration form can be filled out on the first day of participation or may be downloaded off of the Carmel Dads’ Club website at www.carmeldadsclub.org.

Coaches and volunteers are an essential part of our program’s success.  We are always in need of energetic individuals, age 13 and up, and welcome anyone who has a desire to be involved in this very worthwhile endeavor.  If you would like more information about participating, or volunteer opportunities with the Special Sports Program, please contact Suzanne Mandel at 317-595-9016 or via e-mail at r.s.mandel@worldnet.att.net.

Click here to download a registration form

2009– 2010 SPECIAL SPORTS SCHEDULE

SPORT                        DATE                        TIME                         LOCATION

T-BALL/SOCCER      8/22 - 9/19/09      9:30 - 11:00 AM    Carmel Lutheran Church

                                                                                         at 131^st  Street and Gray Road

                                                                                                            in Carmel.

(NO T-ball/Soccer on Saturday, September 5th, LABOR DAY WEEKEND)

SOAPBOX DERBY         9/26/09        9:30 AM – 2:30 PM     30^th & Cold Spring Road

(NO T-Ball/Soccer)                                                                     Wilbur Shaw Soap Box

                                                                                                            Derby Hill

TENNIS                    10/3 - 10/17/09     9:30 - 11:00 AM        Carmel Lutheran Church

BASKETBALL         10/24 -11/21/09     9:30 - 11:00 AM       Carmel Lutheran Church

If you would like additional information regarding the Carmel Dads' Club Special Sports Program or volunteer opportunities, please call Suzanne Mandel at 317-595-9016

Thank you!