APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER

Spring Classic Recap

More than 1,200 athletes and Unified partners gathered for this year's Spring Classic held in Coralville and Iowa City on March 15. Competitions were held in team basketball, basketball skills, cheerleading and dance, and powerlifting. Congratulations to everyone who competed and thank you to our sponsor, volunteers, venues, photographers, and supporters for another great event!

RESULTS

PHOTO GALLERY

Thank You to Our Spring Classic Sponsors

State Swim Meet Recap

Special Olympics Iowa held our first State Swim Meet this past Saturday at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA, where 243 athletes and Unified partners competed. Congratulations to all participants on a great meet!

Due to construction at Beyer Hall, swimming will not be offered at Summer Games this year.

RESULTS

PHOTO GALLERY

Track and Field Season

Track & field and season is underway, with meets continuing around the state throughout the month of April.

Click the button below to find your area and view upcoming competitions.

FIND MY AREA

Compete at the Blue Oval

Special Olympics Iowa athletes and Unified partners have the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Drake Relays on Friday, April 25th!

SOIA will select up to 64 individuals to participate in the 100-meter dash or 4x100 meter relays at the blue oval.

If interested, please review additional information on the application and submit a completed registration form by Wednesday, April 9th.

*Submission of a registration form does not guarantee participation.*

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM

Annual Awards

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Special Olympics Iowa community? Each year at Summer Games we present awards to show appreciation for the remarkable people who make our mission possible.

There are opportunities to recognize exceptional athletes, coaches, volunteers, and more. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Special Olympics Iowa Annual Awards.

Click the button below to see the awards categories and submit a nomination. Nominations are due by April 15th.

NOMINATION FORMS & INFORMATION

Summer Games

We are gearing up for our biggest event of the year! Summer Games is held annually each May in Ames and will feature over 2,500 athletes and Unified partners competing in bocce, cycling, track and field, soccer, tennis, and developmental events. Join us May 22-24 for competitions, healthy athletes screenings, Olympic Festival, and more!

The Little Feet Meet is returning to Summer Games this year! The Little Feet Meet is an inclusive opportunity for Young Athletes, ages 2 to 7, with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in track and field events at the Summer Games. There will be several stations available for athletes to participate in that help teach strength and coordination while learning group play and cooperation.

Registrations for Summer Games are due by Friday, May 2nd.

MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

Volunteer at Summer Games

We are looking for volunteers to help with scorekeeping, selling souvenirs, presenting awards, cheering on athletes, photograph, and more! We have morning, afternoon, or all-day shifts available.

Questions about volunteering? Reach out to Emily Morris, Volunteer Coordinator, at emorris@soiowa.org or 515-986-5520.

2026 Special Olympics USA Games

MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATIONS

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota June 20-26, 2026.

Special Olympics Iowa has been allotted athlete spots in track & field, swimming, bocce, bowling, tennis, pickleball, powerlifting, basketball, volleyball, and intercollegiate flag football.

Applications for Team Iowa are now available. To apply, athletes must have received first place in their sport(s) of choice in the 2024-2025 sport season. Athletes may apply for more than one sport, but will not be selected for more than one.

Athletes and coaches interested in applying to be part of Team Iowa for the 2026 USA Games should submit applications by June 6, 2025.

Staff Spotlight

Emily Morris

Volunteer Coordinator

Emily is no stranger to Special Olympics, having volunteered for many years and served as a bowling, basketball, and softball coach. Emily is a strong advocate for helping others. She began her career in direct support services, working with individuals with disabilities for the past eight years in group homes, independent living, and employment settings. In her new role as Volunteer Coordinator, Emily is excited to meet new people, create new partnerships, and spread awareness of the many opportunities to get involved with Special Olympics Iowa.

FUNDRAISING CENTRAL

We're Seeing Green 💵

$10,000 CASH

YES, cash! Special Olympics Iowa is raffling off a $10,000 cash prize. Raffle tickets are $20 each, or 6 for $100.

Raffle drawing will take place on Wednesday, October 15th in Grimes. Winner need not be present to win.

Delegations have the opportunity to sell raffle tickets and receive funds back to your centralized account.

For official rules and regulations, more information, and to request tickets, click the more information button.

MORE INFORMATION

Cold Water, Warm Hearts

The spring Polar Plunge® season is coming to a close with just one last chance for you to make a splash! Cool your body while warming your heart and register to join us:

April 26 - Cedar Falls/Waterloo

Get Them While They're HOT🔥

This year's Law Enforcement Torch Run apparel is now available for purchase! Order your shirts from a local law enforcement officer or by clicking on the link below. All proceeds go towards supporting Special Olympics Iowa athletes, Unified partners, and programs. Available apparel includes short sleeve t-shirts in cotton and dri-fit options, polos, and hooded sweatshirts - NEW this year!

PURCHASE