Northlands Association for Special Recreation is a cooperative partnership between the Freeport, Rockford and Belvidere Park Districts (referred to as a member district). NASR programs are open to any individual with disability-related needs such as physical, mental and developmental and persons with mental illness, behavior disorders and visual and hearing impairments.
Each year, NASR hosts three one-day events: Got Talent, Bowling Tournament and Fall Fun Day. Each event requires its own registration and transportation to out-of-district locations.
Member district residents are invited to participate in specialty/therapeutic (TR) programs offered through any member district at the resident rate. For participation in Inclusion Services at a member district other than your own member district, you must pay the non-resident rate for that program.
Social. Active. Inclusive. Fun
Our Special Recreation programs are designed to create joyful, engaging experiences for individuals with disabilities, ages eight through adult. From lively socials to feel-good fitness, every program is built around community, creativity and connection. Participants can join activities like Bowling Buddies, energizing fitness classes, or enjoy picnics and outdoor games. Seasonal events such as the Spring Fling Dance, Monster Mash Dance, and festive Holiday Creations & Sing-Along bring extra excitement throughout the year. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with friends at Guys Night, Girls Night, Book Club, Bingo, and Movie Nights. Whatever the season, our programs are here to spark laughter, friendship and lasting memories.
Special olympics team uniforms
All Special Olympic athletes must obtain a team uniform as required for each sport. Uniform requirements are included in the program description. Contact the Administration Center in Read Park for order forms or to inquire about uniform purchases. Uniform fees apply and are
subject to change.
*PLEASE NOTE: Participation in state tournaments is not guaranteed and is dependent upon staff availability. Additional participation fees up to $50 may apply.
BINGO and Movie Night
Join us for a night filled with the thrill of Bingo, a delicious dinner, and a classic movie. Socialize, win prizes, and have fun with your friends! Are you ready to shout, "BINGO"?
Session Name:
BINGO and Movie Night-03
Dates:
11/10/2026 - 11/10/2026
Times:
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Days:
Tuesday
Session Name:
BINGO and Movie Night-04
Dates:
01/19/2027 - 01/19/2027
Times:
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Days:
Tuesday
Bowling Buddies – Fall
It's not just about strikes and spares! Bowling Buddies invites you to join us for afternoons filled with fun and friendship. Whether you're fine-tuning your skills for the Special Olympics season or seeking a fantastic time, this is your perfect lane to play. Location: 4 Seasons Bowling Center
Session Name:
Bowling Buddies-01
Dates:
10/29/2026 - 11/19/2026
Times:
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Days:
Thursday
Bowling Buddies – Winter
It’s not just about strikes and spares! Bowling Buddies invites you to join us for afternoons filled with fun and friendship. Whether you're fine-tuning your skills for the Special Olympics or just seeking a fantastic time, this is your perfect lane to play.
Session Name:
Bowling Buddies-01
Dates:
02/04/2027 - 02/04/2027
Times:
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Days:
Thursday
Holiday Creations & Sing-Along
Get ready to whip up holiday magic and sing along to your favorite holiday songs! Put on your aprons and join us for a hands-on workshop filled with traditional crafts, delightful cookies, and candies. You’ll get to take home a goody bag of festive creations. Let’s make this holiday season even sweeter!
Session Name:
Holiday Creations & Sing-Along-01
Dates:
12/17/2026 - 12/17/2026
Times:
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Days:
Thursday
SO Basketball
Swish! It's game time. Get pumped for another amazing season on the courts. We'll start by practicing skills and then compete in games to prepare for the ultimate showdown at the regional tournament. All athletes must have a valid Special Olympics Illinois account (or create one) through the Center of Excellence at https://portals.specialolympics.org/. Athletes must complete the Health History Form and Athlete Acknowledgement Form, and accounts must be renewed annually to be eligible to participate. Uniform Required: Jersey, Shorts Location: Open Bible
Session Name:
SO Basketball-02
Dates:
11/04/2026 - 01/27/2027
Times:
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Days:
Wednesday
SO Bowling
Let’s roll into victory together! Join us for an exciting opportunity to improve your bowling skills and compete in the upcoming Special Olympics Bowling Tournament! To participate, all you have to do is bowl at least 12 games at practice. All athletes must have a valid Special Olympics Illinois account (or create one) through the Center of Excellence at https://portals.specialolympics.org/. Athletes must complete the Health History Form and Athlete Acknowledgement Form, and accounts must be renewed annually to be eligible to participate. Uniform Required: Shorts, T-shirt Location: 4 Seasons Bowling Center
Session Name:
SO Bowling-01
Dates:
08/31/2026 - 11/02/2026
Times:
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Days:
Monday
SO Soccer
Kick off a season of fun with Freeport Freedom soccer! Compete in regional games and later participate in Spring Games at Harlem High School. All athletes must have a valid Special Olympics Illinois account (or create one) through the Center of Excellence at https://portals.specialolympics.org/. Athletes must complete the Health History Form and Athlete Acknowledgement Form, and accounts must be renewed annually to be eligible to participate. Uniform Required: Jersey, Shorts Location: Read Park Multi-Purpose Field
Session Name:
SO Soccer-01
Dates:
03/01/2027 - 04/19/2027
Times:
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Days:
Monday
SO Swim Team
If you like water, this is the sport for you! Work with trained swim instructors to improve your overall performance. Practice swim strokes, starts, turns, and the overall rules of competition. This program is great exercise and is gentle on the joints, making it possible for most everyone to participate. To be able to participate, you must be able to swim one length of the pool (25 yards) independently with no floatation device. All athletes must have a valid Special Olympics Illinois account (or create one) through the Center of Excellence at https://portals.specialolympics.org/. Athletes must complete the Health History Form and Athlete Acknowledgement Form, and accounts must be renewed annually to be eligible to participate. Uniform Required: Swim Cap Location: Freeport Middle School
Session Name:
SO Swim Team-01
Dates:
02/10/2027 - 03/31/2027
Times:
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Days:
Wednesday
SO Track and Field
Ready to race to the finish line or show your strength in throwing events? Practice every week to compete at Spring Games at Harlem High School. Let’s go for the gold! All athletes must have a valid Special Olympics Illinois account (or create one) through the Center of Excellence at https://portals.specialolympics.org/. Athletes must complete the Health History Form and Athlete Acknowledgement Form, and accounts must be renewed annually to be eligible to participate. Uniform Required: T-shirt, Shorts Location: Read Park Multi-Purpose Fields
Session Name:
SO Track and Field-01
Dates:
03/11/2027 - 04/29/2027
Times:
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Days:
Thursday
Spring Fling Dance
Dust off your dancing shoes because an unforgettable night awaits! We invite you to join us for an evening filled with music, dancing and an egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt. Oh, and did we mention refreshments and snacks to sweeten the celebration? Get ready for a night of fun and surprises! Location: Read Park Pavilion
Session Name:
Spring Fling Dance-01
Dates:
04/16/2027 - 04/16/2027
Times:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Days:
Friday
Sweetheart Social
Spread the love and join us for a fun-filled Valentine's Day Social! Wear your favorite red or pink outfit and dance the night away with friends while enjoying music, refreshments, sweet treats, and plenty of Valentine's Day fun!
Session Name:
Sweetheart Social-01
Dates:
02/09/2027 - 02/09/2027
Times:
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Days:
Tuesday