Hermiston-Pendleton
Welcome to Special Olympics Oregon – Hermiston-Pendleton Local Program, serving athletes throughout Athena, Boardman, Echo, Heppner, Hermiston, Irrigon, Milton-Freewater, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, Stanfield, and Umatilla.
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 Cornhole Powerlifting | Athletics Bocce Golf Softball | Bowling 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 331
Hermiston, OR 97838
Voicemail
541-720-2255
Local Program Team
Local Program Coordinator
Amber Ruiz-Burleson: 541-720-2255
Finance Manager
TBD
Communications/Medicals Manager
TBD
Volunteer Manager
TBD
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: September 8th, 2026
Bowling (Hermiston)
Season Date Range: September 11th – November 7th
Practice Day and Time: Fridays, 9am – 11am – Doors open at 8:45
Location: 1545 North 1st Street, Hermiston, Oregon
Head Coach: TBD
Regional Competitions: November 7th, Pendleton, OR
Swimming
Season Date Range: TBD
Practice Day and Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Head Coach: TBD
Regional Competitions: Sunday – November 1st 2026 – YMCA SAM-O-SWIM Center
State Competitions: Practices will occur weekly until Regionals and then qualified athletes will continue until Fall State Games – Saturday, November 14th – THPRD Beaverton
Bowling (Pendleton)
Season Date Range: September 5th – November 7th
Practice Day and Time: Saturdays 10am – 12pm – Doors open at 9:45
Location: Quaking Aspens Lanes, 46510 Wildhorse Blvd, Pendleton, Oregon
Head Coach: Winny Burnett
Regional Competitions: Nov 7th Pendleton OR
Additional Notes:
Attendance Policy: Please remember 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 make 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.
- No Denim is allowed for Athletes during practices or competitions
Local Program events
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.