April 2023 Newsletter
Spring Classic Recap
On March 10-11, over 1,100 athletes gathered in Iowa City and Coralville for Spring Classic. The event offered athletes the opportunity to compete in basketball skills, cheer and dance, powerlifting, team basketball, and gymnastics. Athletes were also able to see a clinician through the Healthy Athletes stations, including Special Smiles, Healthy Hearing, and Health Promotion. Great job to all who competed!

Thank you to all event volunteers and sponsors. Spring Classic wouldn't have been possible without all of you!
Summer Games
We are gearing up for our biggest event of the year! Summer Games is held annually each May in Ames, Iowa, and will feature over 2,000 athletes and Unified partners competing in bocce, cycling, track and field, soccer, swimming, tennis, and developmental events. Join us May 25-27 for the competition, healthy athletes screenings, the Olympic Festival, and more!

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 the athletes to participate in. The competition will take place on Thursday, May 25 at 12:30 pm in the Lied Recreation Center on the Iowa State University Campus.

Date: May 25-27
Location: Iowa State University
Volunteer at Summer Games!

We are looking for volunteers to help with scorekeeping, selling souvenirs, presenting awards to athletes, cheering them on, and more! We have morning, afternoon, or all-day shifts available. Questions? Reach out to Paula, our Volunteer Coordinator, at pdoan@soiowa.org.
Annual Award Nominations
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Special Olympics Iowa community? Each year at Summer Games we offer awards to show appreciation for the remarkable people who make our mission possible.

There are opportunities to recognize exceptional athletes, coaches, volunteers, and more. Check out all of the awards and nominate someone you know!

Area Track and Field and Swimming Competition
Track and field and Swim season are in full swing! Starting in March and continuing through the month of April, over 2,000 athletes and Unified partners will participate in track and field and swimming competitions across the state. Thank you to all participants and volunteers!
Fundraising Central
Save the Date! Cop on a Rooftop- May 19th

Mark your calendars, you dough-not want to miss this! Dunkin’ Cop on a Rooftop is Friday, May 19th from 5am-12pm. During the event, anyone who makes a donation to Special Olympics Iowa will receive a coupon for a free donut! A list of participating Dunkin’ locations will be available soon.
Plane Pull-June 17
Does your team of 8 have what it takes to pull an 80,000lb airplane?

Now is your chance to prove it! Join us Saturday, June 17th and pull a CRJ-900 weighing 80,000 pounds.
New this year, participants have the opportunity to register for the Plane Pull Pentathlon. Teams will compete in 5 strength-testing challenges including the plane pull, push-ups, pull-ups, an obstacle course, rock-climbing wall, and/or tire flip (exact challenges TBA.)
Polar Plunges

The spring polar plunge season is underway! Cool your body while warming your heart and join us at an upcoming Polar Plunge!
Upcoming 2023 Spring Polar Plunge Locations & Dates

Cedar Falls/Waterloo - April 22
Council Bluffs - May 6
Riverside Casino Giving Back
During the month of May, stop by the Riverside Casino and donate $20 to Special Olympics Iowa and receive $20 in free slot play! This offer is limited to one per day per person and ends on May 31.
Coaches Corner
Registration Forms Available Online

Registration forms for one-day programs and sports competitions are available online! Go to the Participation Forms page on our website to view registration forms for upcoming SOIA events.
Event Calendar

Visit our online calendar for event details!

April
1- South Central Track and Field
6- Valley Community Center Young Athletes Play day
11- West Central Track and Field
13- North Track and Field
15- East Central Track and Field
15- Northwest Track and Field
15- Central Track and Field
15- East Track and Field
18- Southwest Track and Field
20- North Central Area Track and Field
22- Southeast Track and Field
22- Upper Iowa Unified Sports Day
22- Cedar Falls/ Waterloo Polar Plunge
22- Central Area Swim Meet
25- Taylor DMPS Young Athletes Play Day
25- West Central Swim Meet
26- Iowa Wesleyan Unified Sports Day
27- Woodlawn DMPS Young Athletes Play Day
29- Opportunities Unlimited MATP

May
2- Mitchell DMPS Young Athletes Play Day
3- Linn Mar Young Athletes Play Day
5- Central Lee Young Athletes Play Day
7- Luther Unified Sports Day
12- McKee DMPS Young Athletes Play Day
19- Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop
25-27- Summer Games

Upcoming State Competition Dates
Summer Games- May 25-27