T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY

Since 2012, Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Department has been running the Bobcat Special Olympics delegation. When they were approached about taking on this delegation from the Marshalltown Community School District, Jenni Hart, Recreation Supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department, had just begun the role as the Central Area Director for Special Olympics Iowa after the long tenure of Sandy Bennett. The Superintendent of the MCSD approached Mrs. Hart to begin the conversation about how the Marshalltown Parks and Recreation could run the Bobcat Special Olympics program through the Park and Rec instead of the school. Hart was up for the challenge and began numerous meetings with the school district. Hart hit the ground running, writing a number of grants for equipment and uniforms for the delegation. With the number of athletes both school aged and older in Marshall County, Hart knew she needed to continue to provide this valuable program. It has since been rebranded as the Marshalltown Parks and Rec Super Stars. They have expanded to offer their sports to athletes from Grinnell, Tama and Eldora.

The Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Department still offers Special Olympics for athletes of all ages. Currently, athletes can compete in Bowling, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Basketball team, Basketball skill, Swimming, Track & Field, Dance/Cheer, Cycling and Softball skills. The Parks and Rec is currently seeking volunteer coaches for each sport as well as other sports they are hoping to start. They are hoping to form teams for Volleyball, Soccer and Flag Football and also offer competition in Soccer skills, Tennis, Pickleball, Powerlifting and Bocce Ball. Anyone interested in coaching a sport can contact Hart at jhart@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641-754-5715 ext. 3.

Over 90 athletes from the Marshalltown Park and Rec Super Stars competed Friday, Oct. 25 at the Central Area Bowling Competition in Ames. Athletes receiving a first place blue ribbon will advance to the State Competition on Nov. 23 in Des Moines. The next competition will be the Winter Games in Dubuque, where athletes can compete in Snowshoe or Cross-Country Skiing.