Eugene-Springfield (Lane County)
Welcome to Special Olympics Oregon — Eugene-Springfield Local Program, serving athletes in Eugene, Springfield, Creswell, Lowell, Junction City, and Veneta. We are dedicated to empowering athletes through year-round sports, training, and community involvement. With three sports seasons each year, there are countless opportunities to compete, grow, and connect with others. Explore this page for information on athlete and volunteer registration, seasonal sports schedules, and current program updates.
Sports Seasons | Winter | Summer | Fall |
| Dates | Jan-Apr | Apr-Jul | Sep-Nov |
| Sports | Basketball Powerlifting | Athletics Bocce Softball | Bowling Soccer Swimming |
| Updates shared via Email & Facebook | Mid-November | Early March | Mid-July |
| Registration Deadline | Mid-December | End of March | Mid-August |
Contact Us
Mailing Address
PO Box 35
Springfield OR, 97477
Voicemail
541-431-3245
Local Program Team
Local Program Coordinator
Ted Barker & Kristi Barker
Sports Manager
Jeanie Neven
Fundraising Chair
Ro Ralstin
General Logistics Manager
Megan Patrignelli
HHR Manager
Kristi Barker
LETR Officer
Daren Kendrick and Corporal Carlton
Tiffany Monroe
For Athletes
Become an Athlete
ATHLETE HEALTH HISTORY RELEASE FORM
You must be enrolled and have a form on file before participating in any Special Olympics Oregon events, practices, or competitions.
- The NEW Athlete Health History Release form is required of athletes joining for the first time and current athletes as they renew.
- This form expires annually but no longer requires a physical exam or physician’s signature, so the renewal process is much easier.
- This form replaces the old “Athlete Medical” form.
- Complete this fillable form and return it to your Local Program.
- Once the Local Program receives a complete copy of the form, the athlete will be eligible for practice and competition.
Sports & Event Schedules
Sports & Event Schedules
2026 Fall Season
Medical and Registration Deadline: August 22. Deadlines will be firm due to the large numbers we have participating. As soon as you see this, register for the sport you want.
Health History and Release forms: August 22. If you need to renew, you will receive an email from Kristi. If you do not get the email, you do not need to renew. If you are a new athlete, please contact us and we’ll get you the HHR forms to complete.
Coaches: If you are interested in/able to coach this fall, please let us know what sport you’d like to coach. If you are a new coach, please contact us so we can send you the online volunteer link.
To register: There are three ways to register this season. Choose one of the following:
- Use this link – https://forms.gle/a5zq4VMPq2ncojA97
- If you are unable to use the link, you can email: essolp302@gmail.com
3. Call the message number: 541.431.3245. Please speak clearly. Give us your first and last name and which sport
Please DO NOT call Ted or any coach to register.
Bowling
Season Date Range: Starting Wednesday Sep. 9-Nov. 11; Monday Sep. 14-Nov. 9
Practice Day and Time: Mondays or Wednesdays, 4-5:15pm. Please be there ready to start by 3:45pm
Location: Emerald Lanes 140 Oakway Rd, Eugene
Remote Regional Competitions: Week of Nov. 2 at Emerald Lanes
Swimming
Season Date Range: Tuesday Sep. 8 to Nov. 13
Practice Day and Time: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Location: Starting at Splash! Lively Swim CenterTuesday Sep 8, then moving to Willamalane Swim Center Tues. Sep. 29
Additional Important Information: Please come ready to swim by 7:15pm. There will be a sign in sheet at the front desk.
Regional Competition: October 24, 2026 – Chehalem Aquatics Center, Newberg
State Competitions: Nov 14 – Tualatin Hills Park and Rec, Beaverton
Soccer
Season Date Range: Friday Sep. 11 to Nov. 15
Practice Day and Time: Fridays, 5:30-7pm
Location: KidSports field, 2054 Amazon Parkway, Eugene
State Competition: Nov 14-15 – Providence Park and Lincoln High School, Portland. Please make arrangements to be available to travel on Friday Nov. 13.
Unified Flag Football
Season Start Date: October 18
Athletes must be 18 years of age or older. Required equipment: shorts/pants without pockets, mandatory mouthguard per Unified rules.
Practice Day and Time: Sundays, 11:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Student Rec Center turf fields, 1320 E 13th Ave. on the U of O campus.
Competition: Championship game to be determined.
Additional Notes.
Attendance Policy: Please remember that for all sports, you are only allowed to miss two practices. If you cannot commit to the entire season, keep in mind that you will be eliminated if you miss three. Due to our numbers, we must hold athletes responsible for attending practices and not taking the place of an athlete who can/will attend all the practices. Exceptions are possible on a case-by-case basis, but not for vacations or other non-illness choices.
Clothes/Jewelry:
- Please wear clean, comfortable clothes.
- Please avoid anything that might be offensive to your teammates.
- Please wear modest clothing – nothing too revealing.
- No jewelry, please.
Local Program events
Upcoming Events
Texas Road House Tip a Cop
Saturday October 3 at Valley River Center
Duck Field Day. Friday, September 4 on the Student Rec Center turf field, 1320 E 13th Ave on the U of O campus from11:30am to 2pm. The U of O incoming student athletes will be hosting a Field Day with different sport stations. Please come prepared to participate with appropriate clothing and shoes. More information to follow to those who register for this event.
For Coaches/Volunteers
Become a ‘Class A’ Volunteer
COACH – UNIFIED PARTNER – LOCAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TEAM
All volunteers who have close contact with athletes or who handle the financial assets of Special Olympics Oregon must complete a Class A volunteer application. This includes coaches, chaperones, Unified Partners and Local Program Management members. Volunteers need to complete the Class A Volunteer process which includes an online application, background check and online trainings.
Click on the link below to complete the application and trainings. The system will automatically guide you through the appropriate training modules for adults and minors.
Join Our Local Program Management Team
Be a part of our community of athletes, volunteers, and fans by joining our Local Program Management Team!
- Do you like to reach out to others?
- Do you like to meet new people?
- Do you have a passion for success?
We are seeking individuals to help with volunteers, sports, social media, finances and funds!
See all Local Program Management Team Positions! »
You only need to spend a few hours per week to help make a big impact!
If you are looking for professional experience to add to your resume, want to be inspired and have a major impact in your community, or want to be part of a team; Special Olympics Oregon – Benton County leadership roles change lives and bring people together! You can be a part of the team!
For more information about the different roles available, reach out to Ted Barker & Kristi Barker at: