Program Overview

LEEP offers a variety of programs to fit the individual needs of our participants. Some programs are offered on a one-time basis while others run for weeks at a time. The following is a list of program categories that we offer.

Special Olympics: LEEP sponsors 13 different sporting opportunities throughout the year. Volunteers could assist by coaching a specific team, being an assistant coach/chaperone or working one-to-one with individual athletes. Examples of some sports are volleyball, basketball, aquatics, track and softball.

Classes: Each class is offered once a week for a 6-8 week period. During this time, participants focus on learning new skills required for the class or improving skills they have already developed. Possible classes may include: reading club, walking club, horseback riding, arts/crafts and cooking.

Day Program: Day Program is geared toward the retiring/retirement-age participant. It is held twice a week at various locations in and around Mankato. An emphasis is placed on providing constructive and meaningful activities while maintaining an appropriate social environment. Possible activities may include: fitness, arts/crafts, tours, card games and fishing.

Drop-Ins: Drop-ins are held Monday and Wednesday evenings and are loosely structured activities promoting appropriate social skills in a fun environment. Activities range from crafts, movies, parties, karaoke and educational tours.

Special Events: Each month we offer one-time, special event opportunities to various locations throughout Minnesota. Possible activities include: amusement parks, shopping, museums, sporting events, picnics, plays and concerts.

Teen Rec Club: Structured, social activities for teens to participate in on a monthly basis. Activities may include: sledding, movies, pizza parties, dances and swimming.

Summer Rec Program: Designed to provide structured activities for teens with disabilities in transition. The program runs for 9 weeks during the summer from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Activities may include: swimming lessons, money management classes, nutrition, special events, tours and volunteerism.

Little Leepers:  This structured program offers a social opportunity for children 4 - 8 years of age and incorporates crafts, sports, game, and music as well as many other creative activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Fall Elegance Dinner & Dance: Each year LEEP collaborates with ISD 77 Community Services ACCESS to host our Fall Elegance Dinner and Dance, an extraordinary event which honors the contributions made to our community by persons with developmental disabilities. The red carpet is rolled out and they are treated to an evening consisting of a social hour, keynote speaker, an exquisite dinner, entertainment, and finally, a dance. A professional photographer is on hand to take each person's picture which they can take home at the end of the evening.

Vacations:  LEEP offers a variety of vacation options yearly to give our participants the opportunity to travel and explore different cultures, food, entertainment and unforgettable sights. 

Special Olympics Season Schedule

“Special Olympics provides a year-round program of sports training and competition for people with mental disabilities that contributes to lifelong physical fitness, personal growth and achievement. Special Olympics Minnesota athletes are men, women, boys and girls with mental retardation or a closely-related developmental disability. They are like other athletes. They train and compete. They learn to win and to lose. They strive to do their best. They inspire us. Special Olympics Minnesota serves over 6,000 athletes ages 8 and up throughout Minnesota.” —www.somn.org

LEEP coordinates Special Olympics for the Mankato Area. Most sports consist of eight to ten weeks of practice and training, an Area Tournament (usually halfway through the season) and a State Competition (usually at the end of the season). LEEP offers the following sports on a yearly basis: