January 2015

929 North 4th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
507-387-5122
[email protected]
www.mankatoleep.org
January 2015
A Note from the Director, Mandy Hunecke
With the New Year, comes many new things
including new policies and procedures. LEEP
has spent the past few months reviewing and
updating our current policies which led
to some changes. During the month of January,
participants will receive a packet of information in the mail
noting all new Participant Policies and updated forms. The LEEP Membership
Information Form will require all new and current participants complete and
return an updated form.
Have you had a chance to check out our Special Olympics opportunities for
January? Not only are we offering Full Court, Half Court and Unified
Basketball this year, we have also added Unified Youth Basketball. LEEP is
really excited to offer this opportunity for 12-18 year olds and we look
forward to an exciting year. We’ve also tried something a little different with
our pricing and have shown the total sport cost up front. This change was
made so participants know the cost prior to the season start and can plan
accordingly. Scholarship funds are available to LEEP Members for all
programs, excluding LEEP Vacations. We do not want financial hardship to be
a deterrent for anyone who wants to participate in LEEP programming.
During the months of November and December, LEEP applied for and
received 2 grants to help us make 2015 a fantastic year. The Otto Bremer
Foundation awarded LEEP with $33,000 to help build our youth
programming, including the Teen Rec and Summer Rec Programs, along with
our general programming. LEEP also received a $5,000 grant from the
Mankato Area Foundation for a technology upgrade. These funds will help
LEEP provide even better programming for you, our participants! Our mission
to provide quality recreational programming will continue to get better and
better. Thank you again to both foundations for their support!
2015 Membership
Kick-Off Dance
It’s time to celebrate another year full of
fun and friendship. We’ll kick off the year
boogieing to the music. Receive a free gift
at the Membership dance when you
become a paid 2015 member by December
31st.
When: Friday, January 16
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
NEW Location: AmericInn Hotel &
Conference Center
(240 Stadium Rd., Mankato)
Membership Information can be found
on insert or visit our website:
www.mankatoleep.org/become-member
Featured Special Event:
LEEP has been invited by the MSU Swim Team and coaches to attend a swim meet at MSU. This
event will be an all access pass for LEEP Special Olympics athletes where they will be introduced to
the MSU Swim Team and invited to be a part of the team cheer before the meet begins. Our group
will enjoy a delicious lunch at Weggy’s in University Square prior to the meet. *Event is for current
or past Special Olympics athletes only. Cost of event includes: staffing, 1 meal, event and drop-off
transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 10:30am
Drop-Off: 3:00-3:30pm
Cost: $20
Limit: 10
Special Olympics Information

Every athlete must have a current Special Olympics Release Form on file before participating in a sport. These forms require a
doctor’s signature and could take time to complete, so if you are in question as to whether you have this form completed, please
call LEEP at 387-5122 and we can verify it for you. This form must be updated every three years.

All athletes must be a member of LEEP before participating in any LEEP activities. After the athletes have registered for their sports,
LEEP will mail out specific information regarding practice times, tournament dates, what to wear, etc.

Special Olympics is available for anyone over the age of 8 years. LEEP will attempt to place younger athletes together.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS TRADITIONAL BASKETBALL
LEEP offers two different options for Traditional Basketball to help meet the needs of our athletes. We have full-court teams and halfcourt teams. The full-court teams are more competitive than the half-court teams, and the individual skills team is for those athletes who
have very minimal basketball skill/knowledge. If you would like to request a specific team please do so when registering, however we
cannot guarantee you will be placed on the team that you request. LEEP places athletes on teams based on skill level.
Days: Thursdays, January 15 – March 29, 2015
Limit: 48 Full-Court Athletes
24 Half-Court Athletes
Location/Time: Determined by the team each athlete plays on (full schedules will be given out 1 st day of practice)
Practice Transportation Cost, Due January 15: 1-way transportation - $25
2-way transportation - $50
Cost: $225 for entire season (includes: all practice, Area, Regional and State Tournament fees)
Participants have 2 payment options:
 1 payment due January 15
 3 payments
o 1st payment: $95 due January 15 | 2nd payment due February 12 | 3rd payment: $65 due March 12
Payment is not due until the first day of practice!
SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED BASKETBALL
The Unified Basketball season combines athletes with and without disabilities to compete on the same team. By participating together,
athletes and Unified Partners improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills, challenge the competition, and overcome prejudices
about intellectual disabilities.
Days: Tuesdays, January 13 – March 27, 2015
Limit: 20 Athletes
Location/Time: Determined by the team each athlete plays on (full schedules will be given out 1 st day of practice)
Practice Transportation Cost, Due January 13: 1-way transportation - $25
2-way transportation - $50
Cost: $225 for entire season (includes: all practice, Area, Regional and State Tournament fees)
Participants have 2 payment options:
 1 payment due January 13
 3 payments
o 1st payment: $95 due January 13 | 2nd payment due February 12 | 3rd payment: $65 due March 12
Payment is not due until the first day of practice!
*** If an athlete participants in BOTH Full Court ad Unified Basketball, fee is only $50! Payment due January 13***
SPECIAL OLYMPICS AQUATICS
Aquatics is for the beginner swimmer to the advanced swimmer. All athletes will have the opportunity to attend the Area 9 Competition
and compete in their desired events. A portion of the athletes will then be chosen to attend the State Competition held in the Twin Cities
area. With our knowledgeable coaches, the athletes will improve their swimming skills and gain confidence in the water!
Days: Wednesdays, January 14 – March 29, 2015
Limit: 20 Athletes
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm (Athletes will be mailed a schedule prior to season)
Location: Mankato East High School
Practice Transportation Cost, Due January 14: 1-way transportation - $25
2-way transportation - $50
Cost: $200 for entire season (includes: all practice, Area, Regional and State Tournament fees)
Participants have 2 payment options:
 1 payment due January 14
 3 payments
o 1st payment: $95 due January 14 | 2nd payment due February 11 | 3rd payment: $65 due March 11
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NEW! Youth Special Olympics Unified Basketball
This will be LEEP’s First Year of offering a Youth Unified Basketball Team! The Unified Basketball season combines athletes with and
without disabilities to compete on the same team. By participating together, athletes and Unified Partners improve their physical
fitness, sharpen their skills, challenge the competition, and overcome prejudices about intellectual disabilities. We will engage in
basketball specific drills, developing plays, and strengthening teamwork throughout the entire season!
Days: Tuesdays, January 13 – March 27, 2015
Limit: 10 Athletes
Location/Time: Determined by the team each athlete plays on (full schedules will be given out 1 st day of practice)
Cost/Transportation: Athlete: $30 no transportation
$55 one-way transportation
$80 two-way transportation
Unified Partner: $15 no transportation
$40 one-way transportation
$65 two-way transportation
Payment is not due until the first day of practice!
Night Activities
Join LEEP between 6:30-8:30pm for Night Activities! These are loosely structured activities in the
evenings, designed to fit our members’ wants and needs. Ideas for new and exciting activities are always encouraged.
Each Night Activity is only $3! Tip: Watch for the
for unique “Starry Night” activities each month!
Monday, January 12: BINGO at MRCI: Start off the New Year at LEEP with some fun new BINGO prizes.
6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday, January 13: Action Movie Night: Come to LEEP for a newly released action flick and fresh popcorn.
6:30-8:30pm
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Limit: 50
Limit: 50
Monday, January 19: Snow Ice Cream: LEEP will be making ice cream out of the fresh snow outside. Help us make a fun winter
treat with all your favorite toppings!
6:30-7:30pm
Limit: 25
Tuesday, January 20: Comedy Movie Night: Join LEEP for a night of laughter and popcorn. LEEP will be hosting a movie night with a
newly released comedy.
6:30-8:30pm
Limit: 50
Monday, January 26: Beading and Jewelry Making: One of LEEP’s favorite activities is back in January. Bring your friends for a fun night
of beading and jewelry making.
6:30-7:30pm
Limit: 25
Tuesday, January 27: Disney Movie Night: Head over to LEEP and enjoy the Disney “The Lion King" and some buttery popcorn
and ice cold soda.
6:30-8:30pm
Limit: 50
Wednesday, January 28: Birthday Bash: Bring your friends and celebrate your birthday at LEEP. All January birthdays get in free and there
will be fun games and a birthday treat.
6:30-7:30pm
Limit: 35
Teen Rec Program
LEEP is now offering an after school program for teens, complete with pick-ups from East & West
High School and Dakota Meadows! The program offers a chance for students to build
relationships create fun projects, enjoy guest speakers, and try out Special Olympics sports. Must
be a LEEP member in 2015 to participate. After school snacks included!
NEW in 2015: Teen Rec has open enrollment now for mid- January-May 2015
Program Dates: Mondays, January-May, 2015
Cost: 17 sessions for the low price of $250
Location: Crossview Covenant Church
2000 Howard Drive West, North Mankato, MN 56003
Ages: 12-21 years old (must still be in school to qualify)
Time: Pick up after school until 5pm
Pick-up transportation offered for Dakota Meadows, East and West High Schools for no additional cost. Programming will
begin at 3:20pm. All students must be picked up from LEEP by 5:15pm.
Ready to register? Call the LEEP office at 507-387-5122 or email [email protected]. LEEP Teens registration is on a
first come first serve basis, so register today! Scholarships and payment plans are available upon request!
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Classes
Monday- NEW Frozen Class
LEEP will be celebrating the cold weather by getting crafty in our brand new Frozen themed
class based off the hit Disney movie. We will be making an Olaf snow globe craft and a
winter wonderland wand to add to your collection. During the last 2 weeks we’ll watch the
movie and sip on some hot apple cider. *Cost of class includes: staffing and supplies.
Dates: Mondays, January 12, 19, 26
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Cost: $20 No Transportation
Location: LEEP Rec Center
Limit: 10
$30 One Way Transportation
$40 Two Way Transportation
Tuesday- Baking Bonanza
Warm up from the cold by creating some delicious treats at LEEP. We will make 3 delicious recipes for you to
try and take home to your friends. In this class we will make sugar cookies, rice krispy bars, and puppy chow.
While our goodies are baking, the class will complete some simple and fun crafts and coloring. Participants
will all receive a copy of the baked good recipes *Cost of class includes: staffing and supplies.
Dates: Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Cost: $20 No Transportation
Location: LEEP Rec Center
Limit: 10
$30 One Way Transportation
$40 Two Way Transportation
Update Your LEEP and Special Olympics Forms
Have you updated your LEEP Participant Information Form in the past 3 years? If not, the time has come to update us on
any changes that may have taken place for you. It is very helpful for LEEP to always have updated information regarding any
address change, staff change, emergency contact, and/or medical history.
Planning to take part in any Special Olympics Sports this year? Please remember to take a Special Olympics
Medical Form to your next physical as this does require a Dr.’s signature. New physical forms are required
every 3 years. Both forms can be found on our website: www.mankatoleep.org or by stopping into our
office during regular business hours.
Questions, please contact the LEEP office at 507-387-5122
Volunteer of the Month
LEEP Advisory Council
Jake Vlasak
Join LEEP’s Advisory Council and have your voice be
heard. Participate in Fall Elegance planning, fundraisers,
and more! We will be selecting our 2015 Chair positions
for the board, and planning the year ahead. Questions?
Contact Cate at 507-387-5122 or
email [email protected].
“Getting to know the athletes better
has been the highlight of my
experience so far. I always had a blast
going to tournaments and being
introduced to other athletes.” - Jake
Jake began volunteering at LEEP as a Special Olympics
Bowling Coach. He heard about this opportunity through
working at a local group home. Jake is an Exercise Science
major at Minnesota State University, Mankato and someday
hopes to work with patients to help them feel comfortable in
their bodies. Jake plans to return to LEEP in the spring and
help coach Basketball! Thank you, Jake for your dedication to
LEEP’s athletes and programs!!
Our Next Meeting:
Date: Monday, January 5th
Time: 6:00-6:30pm
Want to join us?
Contact Cate at 507-387-5122 or email
[email protected] for more information!
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Special Events
CSI Experience at Mall of America
Saturday, January 17
Ever wondered how they solve all those crimes on TV? LEEP will be traveling to the brand
new CSI: Crime Scene Investigation exhibit at the Mall of America. At the exhibit, you’ll
examine bullet casings, match DNA to potential suspects and identify the killer. This exhibit
even has real-life crime labs, autopsy rooms, and reporting stations. You will learn hands-on
how investigators solve crimes! We will also have a delicious lunch at Famous Dave’s BBQ in
the Mall of America. Hurry up and register today for this fun, new event! *Cost of event
includes: admission ticket, 1 meal, staffing, event and drop-off transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 10:00am
Drop-Off: 4:30-5:00pm
Cost: $90
Limit: 10
Ready to Register?
We have 3 Options Available:
Website: www.mankatoleep.org
Phone: 507-387-5122
E-mail: [email protected]
LEEP provides pick-up service to
participants who live in Mankato/
North Mankato city limits for an
additional $7.00 per ride. Please
specify at time of registration if this
service is needed. Pick up will begin 30
minutes before the actual event time.
Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance!
Sunday, January 18
LEEP is heading to Minneapolis to catch all your favorite Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Burt and
Ernie, and Big Bird. Our Sesame Street friends will host a fun dance party, while Elmo shows us how to do
the Robot. Don’t miss your favorite characters come to life! Before the show we will eat lunch at Pizza
Luce in downtown Minneapolis. *Cost of event includes: admission ticket, 1 meal, staffing, event and
drop-off transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 10:30am
Drop-Off: 5:00-5:30pm
Cost: $85
Limit: 10
MSU vs. SMSU Basketball Game
Friday, January 23
Grab your purple and gold as MSU takes on their rivals Southwest Minnesota State University! The
Maverick basketball teams need your help by cheering them on to beat the Mustangs. Bring your
friends for a night at the Taylor Center. Before the game we will eat pizza at Jake’s Stadium Pizza.
*Cost of event includes: admission ticket, 1 meal, staffing, event and drop-off transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 5:00pm
Drop-Off: 10:00-10:30pm
Cost: $45
Limit: 10
Ice Castles in Eden Prairie, MN
Saturday, January 24
Join LEEP as we travel to Eden Prairie, MN to see a brand new ice castle exhibit. The exhibit features
more than 5,000 icicles that are sculpted to show you Mother Nature’s beauty. The castles are covered in
thousands of beautiful LED lights that create a magical experience. Make sure to dress warmly as this
exhibit is outdoors! We will warm after the show by eating dinner at Perkin’s in Eden Prairie. *Cost of
event includes: admission ticket, 1 meal, staffing, event and drop-off transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 4:00pm
Drop-Off: 10:00-10:30pm
Cost: $70
Limit: 10
Bowling and Pizza at WOW!Zone
Sunday, January 25
Keep improving your bowling skills with a Sunday afternoon at the WOW! Zone. Enjoy some friendly
competition while we bowl a few games and then enjoy some fresh pizza and soda. *Cost of event includes: 2
hours of bowling, 1 meal, staffing, event and drop-off transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 4:00pm
Drop-Off: 7:00-7:30pm
Cost: $35
Limit: 10
World’s Toughest Rodeo
Friday, January 30
Grab your cowboy boots and hats and join us as we head up to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul for
World’s Toughest Rodeo. We will see bull riding, barrel races, saddle broncs, and your favorite rodeo
clowns! We will eat a quick meal at McDonald’s before heading to the show! *Cost of event includes:
admission ticket, 1 meal, staffing, event and drop-off transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 4:30pm
Drop-Off: 12:30-1:00am
Cost: $115
Limit: 10
Swim Meet at MSU
Saturday, January 31
LEEP has been invited to attend a Swim Meet at MSU. The Swim Team at MSU will introduce themselves to past aquatics
athletes. LEEP athletes will also be apart of the team cheer and breakdown before the meet begins. Before the meet, we
will have a quick lunch at Weggy’s in University Square. *Event is for current or past Special Olympics athletes only. Cost of
event includes: staffing, 1 meal, event and drop-off transportation.
Meet at LEEP: 10:30am
Drop-Off: 3:00-3:30pm
Cost: $20
Limit: 10
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LEEP Calendar January 2015
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
4
5
6
NO LEEP
PROGRAMMING
NO LEEP
PROGRAMMING
NO LEEP
PROGRAMMING
Wednesday
SO Poly Hockey
Area Tournament
3
New Year’s Day
LEEP Office
Closed
NO LEEP
PROGRAMMING
NO LEEP
PROGRAMMING
7
8
9
10
SO: Poly Hockey
6:00-8:00pm
SO: Basketball
Team Divisions
7:00-9:00pm
NO LEEP
PROGRAMMING
NO LEEP
PROGRAMMING
15
16
17
13
14
YP: Teen Rec
3:30-5:00pm
CL: Baking
Bonanza
4:30-5:30pm
SO: Aquatics
6:30-7:30pm
NA: BINGO at
MRCI
6:30-8:00pm
18
SE: Sesame
Street Live
10:30- 5:00pm
19
YP: Teen Rec
3:30-5:00pm
CL: Frozen
4:30-5:30pm
NA: Snow Ice
Cream
6:30-7:30pm
25
SE: Bowling and
Pizza at
WOW!Zone
4:00-7:00pm
SO Poly Hockey
State
Tournament
SO: Unified
Basketball
6:00-9:00pm
20
CL: Baking
Bonanza
4:30-5:30pm
SO: Unified
Basketball
6:00-9:00pm
SE: CSI Exhibit
at Mall of
America
10:00-4:30pm
SO: Poly Hockey
6:00-8:00pm
SO: Basketball
6:00-9:00pm
21
22
23
24
SO: Basketball
6:00-9:00pm
SE: MSU
Basketball Game
5:00-10:00pm
SE: Ice Castles
4:00-10:00pm
SO: Aquatics
6:30-7:30pm
SO: Poly Hockey
6:00-8:00pm
SO Poly Hockey
State
Tournament
NA: Comedy
Movie Night
6:30-8:30pm
27
YP: Teen Rec
3:30-5:00pm
CL: Baking
Bonanza
4:30-5:30pm
NA: Beading and
Jewelry Making
6:30-7:30pm
Membership
Kickoff Dance:
AmericInn &
Suites
7:00-9:00pm
NA: Action
Movie Night
6:30-8:30pm
26
CL: Frozen
4:30-5:30pm
Saturday
2
12
CL: Frozen
4:30-5:30pm
Friday
1
Advisory Council
6:00-6:30pm
11
Thursday
28
29
30
31
SO: Unified
Basketball
6:00-9:00pm
SO: Aquatics
6:30-7:30pm
SO: Basketball
6:00-9:00pm
SE: World’s
Toughest Rodeo
4:30-12:30am
SE: Swim Meet
at MSU
10:30-3:00pm
NA: Disney
Movie Night
6:30-8:30pm
NA: Birthday
Bash
6:30-7:30pm
6
LEEP Registration Checklist – January 2015
For your convenience, LEEP has included this checklist to assist with registration and to make the payment process easier. Please include
payment for transportation. If you would like to include a copy with pre-payments, this will hopefully eliminate any confusion. Thanks!
X
Code
Date
Event
Fee
CL
Jan.
Frozen Class
CL
Jan.
SE
X
Code
Dates
Event
Fee
$20/$30/$40
NA
1/20
Comedy Movie Night
$3
Baking Bonanza
$20/$30/$40
NA
1/26
Beading and Jewelry Making
$3
1/17
CSI at Mall of America
$90/$97
NA
1/27
Disney Movie Night
$3
SE
1/18
Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance
$85/$92
NA
1/28
Birthday Bash
$3
SE
1/23
MSU Basketball vs. SMSU
$45/$52
Dance
1/16
Membership Kickoff Dance
$7
SE
1/24
Ice Castles
$70/$77
SO
Jan- March
Traditional Basketball
$50/$75/$100
SE
1/25
Bowling and Pizza at WOW!Zone
$35/$42
SO
Jan- March
Unified Basketball
$50/$75/$100
SE
1/30
World’s Toughest Rodeo
$115/$122
SO
Jan- March
Aquatics
$50/$75/$100
SE
1/31
Swim Meet at MSU
$20/$27
SO
Jan- March
Youth Unified Basketball
$30/$55/$80
NA
1/12
BINGO at MRCI
$3
YP
Jan-May
Teen Rec
$250
NA
1/13
Action Movie Night
$3
LEEP 2015 Membership
$30
NA
1/19
Snow Ice Cream
$3
Donation
Reminder… All fees must be paid by the date of the event or
$5 late fee will be added. Please call LEEP if you need
financial assistance or to establish a payment plan.
Total Amount Due:
Total Credits:
Total Payment:
*Credit card payments are now accepted with a minimal
processing fee.
7
Non-Profit Organization
US POSTAGE PAID
Mankato, MN 56001
Permit #300
929 North 4th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
Return Service Requested
Cold Weather Reminder
LEEP is not responsible for supervision of participants before or after designated program start and
end times. Because of this LEEP would like to remind guardians and staff that with winter weather
fast approaching, it is their responsibility to ALWAYS check participants in with LEEP Staff. We want
to provide a safe environment for all participants who attend LEEP events.
If bad weather, please call 507-387-9996 and listen to the recorded message to know if our
program has been cancelled. (voice messages will not be checked or returned.) Participants should call
507-387-5122 to cancel themselves from programming.
Join our 2014 Special Olympics Polar Plunge Team
Saturday, February 7, 2015
We are looking for some of LEEPs biggest supporters to brave the cold and jump in the frigid waters of Hallet’s Pond in St.
Peter, MN! This fundraising event is a favorite for LEEP staff and volunteers and we’d love to have you join us.
HALF of all money RAISED ONLINE will be donated back to our team which will
directly lower costs for our athletes! ***Must be part of the LEEP Mankato team
in order to qualify for this opportunity! ***
If you’d like to join or even donate to LEEP’s Team please visit:
http://www.plungemn.org/team/09lepleep.
For more information on how to support or become a plunger, please visit: www.plungemn .org