2026 MPDP Flag Football

Come and join the MPDP Inclusion Flag Football League on Saturdays from 10:00-12:00 at Elmington Park on West End.

Come and join the MPDP Saturday Inclusive (Unified) Flag Football Leagues. This league will meet on Saturdays from 10:00-12:00 at Elmington Park on West End Ave beginning on Saturday, August 8th and running through October 17th. This is a co-ed Unified League, and teams will be made of up of athletes with and without disABILITIES.

Adult League will be for athletes ages 18+. All athletes should have a valid sports physical completed within the last 3 years. Inclusion partners must be 13 years of age or older, and have a signed volunteer form to participate. All athletes should come wearing athletic shorts and tennis shoes or rubber cleats (not required).

Clinic

• Saturday, August 8th

Practice Dates:

• August- 15th, 22nd, 29th
• September- 5th, 12th, 19th
• October- 3rd, 10th

Special Olympics Regional Competition

• September 26th (location to be determined)

Special Olympics State Competition

• October 17th (location to be determined)

Activities are weather dependent and will be cancelled if any of the following conditions are met:

• Temperature above 90*F or below 50*F
• Rain or Forecasted Rain Chances over 50%
• Wet or Muddy Field Conditions

Extra practices for athletes will be available These practices are not required for participation on Saturdays, but are available for those who can attend. For a complete schedule of practices, please contact Jonathan Shelton at [email protected] or Glen Adkins at [email protected].

A Unified Partner in Flag Football is a teammate without an intellectual disability who practices and competes alongside Special Olympics athletes as an equal member of the team. The Unified Partner’s role is to support inclusion, teamwork, skill development, and fair play while helping create a positive team environment. In flag football, this may include running routes, passing, catching, defending, encouraging teammates, helping with communication on the field, and modeling good sportsmanship. A strong Unified Partner does not take over the game or dominate play. They help make sure all athletes are involved, respected, and given meaningful chances to contribute.

A Metro Parks disABILITIES Coach teaches sport skills, rules, teamwork, and sportsmanship while helping athletes train safely and compete with confidence. The coach prepares athletes for practices and competitions, supports each athlete’s individual needs, and creates a positive team environment. A strong coach serves as a role model who helps athletes grow in skill, independence, self-esteem, and love for the sport.

An adaptive sports referee helps keep the game safe, fair, and organized while applying the rules in a way that supports meaningful participation. The referee manages play, communicates clearly with athletes and coaches, and makes sure competition stays respectful and consistent. A strong adaptive sports referee understands the sport, recognizes athlete needs, and uses good judgment so all participants can compete with dignity and confidence.

A Sport Assistant supports the team by helping coaches, athletes, and officials keep practices and games organized, safe, and on schedule. This role may include keeping score, managing equipment, setting up activity areas, tracking supplies, and helping athletes stay engaged and ready to participate. A strong Sport Assistant communicates clearly, encourages athletes, and helps create a positive environment where everyone can contribute.

Our Flag Football Leagues are provided free of charge to all of our athletes thanks to the generosity of our Sponsors including The Friends of Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs. If you are interested in sponsoring the Metro Parks disABILITIES Sports Leagues, please contact Glen Adkins ([email protected]) or Jonathan Shelton ([email protected]) by calling the disABILITIES Office at 615-862-8489.