Welcome to Special Sports
We provide adaptive sports and recreation programs for individuals with special needs ages 5 and up regardless of diagnosis. We teach basic fundamentals for various sports including basketball, ice skating, cardio drumming, yoga and more. We encourage positive peer interactions. In 2021 expanded our programs and added social and recreational programs and field trips as well. We do bowling parties, pool parties, and holiday parties. Every June we go to Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio and our biggest event of the year is our special needs Halloween Party at Lake Catholic High School. Contact us for more details or follow us on Facebook for all program details!
Special Sports at a Glance
A Bit of Background
Here at Special Sports, we are driven by a single goal; to do our part in making the world a better place for all. Our adaptive sports and recreation camps are open to all children with special needs ages 5 and up. We strive to provide quality programming and make a positive impact on all of our athletes. All of our programs are offered for specific age groups, as we feel it important for our participants to be able to socialize and interact with kids their own age.
Our Programs
Adaptive Basketball
With our organization's mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for planning our camps. Our team is working daily, to plan activities and drills specific to the sport of basketball.
Cardio Drumming
This class is sure to get the calories burning! Our instructor allows each participant to work at their own pace. This is a fun and interactive class for all ages!! Classes run 6 weeks and are held at the Mentor Community Recreation Center.
Special Skate Ice Skating Program
Our 6 week adaptive ice skating program is held at the Mentor Ice Arena and goes all year. This program is open to all ages. We provide volunteers and work on introduction to ice skating. We also hold holiday parties and awards banquets with our group of skaters.
Board of Directors
Mindy Bakos
President
Mindy is experienced, trustworthy, and fun. Mom of two boys, one teenager with ASD and Epilepsy. Works in healthcare as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Has over 25 years working in adaptive sports, was a former National Classifier for the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association and worked at the Cleveland Clinic as a Recreational Therapist for 10 years.
Tony Bakos
Vice President
Tony is co-founder, husband to Mindy and our head coach. He brings years of coaching experience and skills to the forefront in helping our organization grow and succeed.
Laura Lekson
Secretary
Laura joined Special Sports with the vision and drive to improve upon our Nonprofit Organization, and has focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity.
Michael Trivisonno
Treasurer
With us since our founding, Michael is one of our veteran team members. He brings years of experience to our team.
Connect with Special Sports
Get in touch with Special Sports to learn more about our work, how you can get involved, and how you can donate. Special Sports, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible per Ohio law.
Mentor, Ohio
