History of TASK

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Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK) is a nonprofit 501(c)3, year-round instructional sports program that provides athletic and social opportunities to kids with special needs. The purpose of the program is to help build self-esteem and skills in children with special needs.

TASK began in the summer of 1996 with a tee ball program. At that time, there were 26 athletes with special physical and/or mental needs participating. Since that time, TASK has evolved into a year-round sports program offering a variety of sports and has grown to service over 800 athletes. We are proud to say that we have never turned a child away due to a disability - we have always been able to adapt the sport to meet the athlete’s needs.  All athletes receive a team t-shirt and at the completion of the sport, a trophy.

Team sports offered to-date are basketball, dance, outdoor soccer, tee ball, coach pitch softball, modified softball, floor hockey, Rec. Night and volleyball.  Individual sports include bowling, golf, swimming, tennis and fitness club.  A one-week summer day camp, concentrating on recreational activities, is also offered.  TASK gets involved with social activities as well.  TASK Kids' Club (for athletes 12 and under) and Social Club for (for athletes 13 and over) are offered throughout the school year. 

A group consisting of dedicated volunteers runs TASK.  We have had over 200 volunteers help with the program throughout the years. The volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds including classroom teachers, special education teachers, adaptive physical education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech/language pathologists, high school students, college students and parents. With a variety of specialties, these volunteers are able to give the athletes a wide range of support to help them become successful in their endeavors.  Right now TASK activities take place at different locations across South and West St. Louis Counties.

For our parents, TASK provides a network of parents with children with special needs.  We often hear comments about how parents are able to discuss concerns, share ideas and identify with other parents in similar or not so similar situations.  This aspect of the program is invaluable. 

Throughout the years we have been involved in many activities. In 1998 we held our first TASK Banquet for the athletes, volunteers and supporters.  It is now an annual event for everyone that has been involved in the program during the previous year to gather and share in a night of recognition and a great meal.  Athletes are presented with medals recognizing their talents and volunteers and supporters are recognized with tokens of appreciation.  In 1999, TASK was the nonprofit organization that was chosen to help Spiritas Construction Company hand out the bricks and seats from the old St. Louis Arena.  We have been recognized several times by the St. Louis Cardinals and have been able to take athletes to Cardinals games, be on the field and be a part of Tony LaRussa’s Troop and Daryl Kyle’s Kids.  The St. Louis Blues have also invited us to Blues games and to be a part of Chris Pronger’s Pack.  TASK has been spotlighted several times on KSDK and CCIN.  In 1998, its second year in existence, TASK was awarded the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis’ Outstanding Recreation Program.  Other recognition over the years include in 2005 Special School District Special Ambassador Award and in 2006 Mehlville School District Community Kindness Award.  In 2005, the TASK Director was recognized by Harlequin as the recipient of their “More than Words Award" in an international search.

In order to support our growing program, TASK has done a variety of fundraisers.  Over the years, we have had raffles, worked Old Newsboys’ Days, sold Westfield Works Wonders tickets, sold wrapping paper, created and sold our own cookbook, worked St. Louis Cardinal games, recycled old cell phones and sold entertainment books.  In addition we have held casino nights, golf tournaments, dinner dances and trivia nights.

Our goal for TASK is to own our own facility with plenty of room for basketball courts, soccer fields, fitness room, storage and office space.  As our athletes get older, it seems there are less and less opportunities for adults with special needs to socialize and stay fit in a safe accepting environment.  We hope to fulfill that need.  We would encourage you to join TASK.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call 314-845-3641 and someone can answer those questions.

TASK

11139 South Towne Square, Suite D

Phone: 314-845-3641

Fax: 314-845-9491