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Where Every Athlete is a Champion!
Champion Athletes of the Ozarks believes every person deserves the chance to thrive. Through education, sports competition, and new opportunities, we build self-esteem, self-confidence, and everyday life skills in children and adults with disabilities.
Sports and Activities
Champion Athletes of the Ozarks provides education, life skills, and sports programs for children and adults with disabilities. These programs give participants the chance to engage in sports, explore healthy living, gain real job experience, and develop the social and vocational skills they need to thrive. At the heart of it all is one shared goal—helping every individual reach their fullest potential.
Basketball
Teams play in an 8-week league and participate in a clinic with College of the Ozarks men’s basketball players and coaches. At the end of the season, teams from all areas compete in a Regional Tournament.
Bowling
Participants bowl in several different leagues, including a monthly winter league, a weekly summer Rock n Bowl, and a weekly fall league. They go on to compete in the Branson Tournament, Sectional Tournament, and final Regional Tournament.
Pickleball
Teams play in an 8-week summer league, and compete in a Regional Tournament at the end of the season.
Soccer
Teams play on a turfed indoor surface in an 8-week league. This level playing surface is better for balance, coordination, and requires no weather cancellations. Teams compete in a tournament at the end of the season.
Water Aerobics
A year-round full body program with low-impact water exercises that improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. While water aerobics is for people of all abilities, it is particularly beneficial for those with low muscle tone or multiple disabilities.
Life Skills Programs
A yearlong series of classes, reading, money, healthy snacking, community & home safety, and more. Social Showdowns held monthly—evenings spent refreshing all class skills, reading, math, following directions, taking turns and experiencing new board games.
Upcoming Events
Volleyballin’ for Champions
Golfing Fore Champions
Monster Bowling
Night of Champions Trivia
Volunteer and Help Make a Difference
Want to inspire a new generation of champions?
Join us and make a difference in your community!
Testimonials
Thank you to Champion Athletes of the Ozarks for the meaningful work you do and for the impact you make in our community. Your athletes demonstrate courage, perseverance, and heart in everything they do, and we’re honored to support and celebrate them.
Your mission reflects the very best of the Ozarks.
We look forward to continuing the partnership and cheering on these remarkable athletes.
— Partner
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We have seen some of the biggest changes, enlightenments and forward-thinking moments happen in the last three months. I have to say, my husband and I both believe it’s been due in part to his 1st basketball season with Champion Athletes. We are so thankful for this program and that my son can be an athlete in this community.
— Parent
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He absolutely loves his time bowling with you all. What you do has really impacted my son in such a good way! If it wasn’t for Champion Athletes and all that you do, I honestly feel he wouldn’t be in a good place socially, physically, and mentally. You really do make a difference in many lives, and it is greatly appreciated.
— Parent
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FAQs
You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers
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Champion Athletes of the Ozarks provides education, life skills and sports programs for children and adults with disabilties. Through these programs individuals participate in sports, healthy programs, create job experiences & reinforce good social and vocational skills. Our goal is to help our individuals reach their potential.
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Our current programs are basketball, bowling, pickleball, pound fitness, soccer, water aerobics and life skills classes. Participation and program information are listed in the sports section of our website.
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Children and adults with mental and physical disabilities that have a current physical and have passed our internal background check will be eligible for our programs. Call our office with any questions you may have about eligibility.
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Champion Athletes programs are FREE. We provide necessary equipment! We do recommend wearing your own comfortable program specific clothing and tennis shoes.
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Each individual must have a sports physical completed by their doctor and a release signed by a parent, guardian, or adult athlete (if athlete is their own guardian). All forms must be in our office before participation. All required forms can be requested or downloaded from our website, located on each sports page. After forms are sent to office, please register for desired program through our website. Athletes must be registered to designate the appropriate amount of equipment and volunteers.
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Our program is always looking for additional quality volunteers. A volunteer registration form is on the Volunteer page of this website. After completing the form, please submit it to our office. Champion Athletes will contact you for volunteer placement after completing a background check.
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Champion Athletes of the Ozarks can be supported through donations, volunteering, sponsoring events or programs, or partnering with us. Donations can be made through the website or by sending them or dropping them off at our office. You can also support us by participating in a fundraising event or one of our online auctions.