Birth of Special Olympics
Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp at her home for people with intellectual disabilities. Thirty-five athletes were in attendance. The concept of Special Olympics is born.
Mission, Vision & Philosophy
Mission
The mission of Special Olympics – Sioux Falls Fireworks is to provide year-round sports training and athletic
competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The Fireworks team has been in existence for over 40 years, allowing hundreds of people the opportunity to participate in sports. There is NO Cost for our athletes.
We are run by a committee of 10 to 14 volunteers and athletes, and utilize over 200 volunteers each year, whether it is for coaching, assisting athletes, chaparoning, arranging for meals or fund raising. It is important that the families of athletes volunteer each year so we can continue providing meaningful events.
Our budget each year is approximately $50,000 and all this money is raised solely by caring friends and families of our athletes and from the generosity of businesses from Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities.
Vision
Special Olympics is an unprecedented global movement which, through quality sports training and competition, improves the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and, in turn, the lives of everyone they touch.
Philosophy
Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports.
Special Olympics believes that consistent training is essential to the development of sports skills, and that competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth.
Special Olympics believes that through sports training and competition people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
The Spirit of Special Olympics
On her way to the Opening Ceremonies of the first Special Olympics World Games, Eunice Kennedy Shriver wrote the final draft to an athlete oath. In front of many spectators and visitors, Shriver memorably opened the Games with these words: “In ancient Rome, the gladiators went into the arena with these words on their lips:
‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’
“Today, all of you young athletes are in the arena. Many of you will win, but even more important, I know you will be brave, and bring credit to your parents and to your country. Let us being the Olympics. Thank you.”
Our Team
Chair
Becky Brennan
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Vice Chair
Lacy Hutchens
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Treasurer
Wendy Hellenga
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Secretary
Andra Kallhoff
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Fundraising Co-Chairs
OPEN
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Confidential Information Volunteer (Physicals)
Heather Leischner
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Uniforms Volunteer
Amy Hildebrand
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Equipment Volunteer
Cort Hansen
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Sports Directors
Basketball/Cheer – Lacy Hutchens
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Traditional Bowling – Heather Leischner
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Spring/Summer Games – OPEN
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Fall Classic – OPEN
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Members at Large
Marne Boterman
Cort Hansen
Katie Hansen
Amy Hilbrands
Abby Kerkaert
Mikey Kocer
Jeff Turner
Chad Haugen, Athlete
Nick Lund, Athlete
History
The concept of Special Olympics began in the early 1960’s, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities. In 1968, Mrs. Shriver organized the First International Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field in Chicago. From Chicago, the excitement spread to South Dakota, where in 1968 the 1st Annual Special Olympics South Dakota Summer Games were held with 125 athletes participating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can participate with Sioux Falls Fireworks?
Athlete
A Potential Athlete must:
- Be identified as having an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability and verified by a teacher or medical doctor
- Be 8 years of age or older.
* Athletes will then sign up per event at the beginning of each sport season.
Volunteer
If you are interested in sports or other volunteer opportunities with the Fireworks. We have 4 sport seasons and each seasons needs 35-50 volunteers.
What does it cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate with Sioux Falls Fireworks. We strongly encourage athletes, volunteers and families to participate in fundraising with our organization.
What events does Sioux Falls Fireworks offer?
- Basketball January – March
- Spring/Summer Games March – May
*includes Track & Field, Swim/Aquatics, Powerlifting, Soccer & Volleyball - Fall Classic July – September * includes Softball & Bocce Ball
- Traditional & Unified Bowling: October – November
For more information click here “sports”
Are there uniforms?
For almost all sports athletes wear the “Gold & Black” uniforms provided by Sioux Falls Fireworks. These uniforms are provided at no cost to athletes. If you have any questions about uniforms please email our uniform volunteer Amy Hilbrand.
Is there any form of transportation to out of town tournaments?
For Area and State Tournaments outside of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Fireworks provides transportation via School Bus. The Buses are generously provided to us by the Sioux Falls School District. If an athlete or volunteer intends to ride the bus to tournaments this should be indicated on the sporting event sign up form. If this changes please notify a coach or sports coordinator as soon as possible.
Where do we stay at overnight tournaments?
On the majority of overnight tournaments Sioux Falls Fireworks will rent hotel rooms in the tournament town. Athletes and Unified Partners will be provided rooms at no cost, per request on sign up forms. Athletes are generally assigned four per room (2 Queen Bed Rooms). Athletes should indicate on sign up forms if they intend to stay with Sioux Falls Fireworks. Athletes are of course allowed to travel with family/staff and stay with family/staff independent of Sioux Falls Fireworks.
Volunteers will be provided rooms at no cost if they agree to help chaperone athletes during the tournament. Chaperones are assigned to athletes in a 1:4 ratio. Volunteers should indicate on sign up forms that they will help to chaperone athletes at Tournaments
What does it mean to be ‘Chaperoned’ by Sioux Falls Fireworks?
There are times when our staff and volunteers act as chaperones for out of town/overnight tournaments for athletes in need. Please note that this does not mean that Sioux Falls Fireworks will chaperone athletes at every event. We strongly encourage family, friends and staff to stay at practices/competitions to help the volunteers with athletes. This is especially helpful for athletes who have advanced medical needs or needs assistance with personal care.
What happens on long trips if my athlete needs medication?
Sioux Falls Fireworks does not provide assistance or dispense medications at any delegation events.
The athlete must be able to take their own medication with no assistance.
Any athlete needing assistance to take medication, must have a chaperone at all out of town events (staff, family member or guardian).
