Greek Week at Iowa State University Polar Plunge

This year's Greek Week at Iowa State University Polar Plunge raised over $230,500!
THANK YOU Sorority and Fraternity Community at Iowa State University for your outstanding support over the last 25 years.
Healthy Athletes® Screenings Are Back
On March 30, Special Olympics Iowa held virtual Healthy Athletes® screening experiences with Fit Feet Clinical Director Dr. Kirk. Athletes were able to sign up for a 15-minute Zoom appointment, during which the emphasis was education and care. Dr. Kirk also talked through foot and footwear questions and concerns. 

The next virtual Healthy Athletes® screening experiences will be held in May. More information about the upcoming screening experiences will be in the May newsletter. 
Golisano Health Leadership Award
Doctor Pixie Plumber and Krave Gym are the 2020-2021 Special Olympics Iowa Golisano Health Leadership Award recipients. The Golisano Health Leadership Award is given to an individual or organization that is dedicated to improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities and advancing the health work of Special Olympics.
Doctor Pixie Plumber, of Iowa City, is a Medfest clinical director for Healthy Athletes®. She is dedicated to making sure all Special Olympics Iowa athletes have access to a doctor that cares about them and is able to see them for a physical, whether that is at a Medfest event or on their own.  She teaches students at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine about people with intellectual disabilities and shows the students how to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the personalized care they deserve.  Doctor Plummer is committed to supporting people of all abilities and believes that people with disabilities and their supporters are important teachers to physicians in training and play an intricate role in improving access to quality health care for all.
Krave Gym is an inclusive fitness champion! Krave Gym is always ready to support athletes at events and has a mindset of inclusivity in all that they do. Before the pandemic, Krave Gym, with assistance from the Special Olympics Iowa Health Messengers, had big plans to expand Special Olympics Iowa’s in-person fitness training. While in-person training is on hold, the Krave Gym trainers have been vital in creating fitness videos that Special Olympics Iowa athletes can do from home. 

Congratulations Doctor Pixie Plumber and Krave Gym!
Virtual Spring Training Competition
Join us for April's Virtual Spring Training Competition and compete in soccer skills, 1 mile race, and plank. Everyone's competition success will be celebrated with the virtual series at the end of the month.

Important Dates
Virtual Series Schedule Announced - April 9
Scores Due: April 26
Virtual Series: April 28 - 30
Make Your Health and Fitness a Priority with Team Fit: Spring Training
Join Team Fit: Spring Training and pursue those health, fitness, and sports goals by completing daily focused activities with the support of a Unified community. This eight-week training program is available to those with and without access to technology as program materials are available both online and in printed format.
2022 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Orlando, Florida, June 5 through 12, 2022. The 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports competitions will be held at various world-class venues across the Orlando area. Athletes and coaches interested in applying for the 2022 USA Games should submit applications to registrations@soiowa.org by June 1, 2021.

Team Iowa will consist of 66 athletes and Unified partners and 18 coaches from the following sports athletics, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, flag football, powerlifting, swimming and tennis.
Fundraising Central
Round Up for Special Olympics Iowa When You Visit Casey's
Visit your local Casey's store now through April 15 and say YES when asked to round up for inclusion at the register. Your change will support Special Olympics Iowa athletes and Unified partners.
Take the Plunge for Special Olympics Iowa
Show your support for Special Olympics Iowa athletes by signing up for an upcoming Polar Plunge®. Whether you plunge solo or with coworkers, friends, or family, for the ultimate bonding experience, your sure to take "cool" up a degree or two.
The 2021 Spring Polar Plunge Season
*Each plunge will have in-person and virtual plunge options.
LETR Supporter Apparel
Law Enforcement Torch Run supporter apparel is available for purchase! Order your apparel from a local law enforcement officer or by clicking on the link below. All proceeds go towards supporting Special Olympics Iowa athletes and Unified partners.


Coaches Corner
We are excited to share that Class A Volunteer certification and re-certification can now be completed online in three steps.
  1. Complete the Class A Volunteer Application and background check
  2. Take the Protective Behavior Training and quiz
  3. submit a color photo, passport quality, to classa@soiowa.org
NEW
Join Dawn Criss, Senior Director of Sports and Programs, each month for an additional sport training via Zoom. The coach trainings are optional, but a great way to build your knowledge on those sports you are not as familiar with. Register for a training by clicking on the link below.

Event Calendar

Visit our online calendar for event details!

April
6 - St. Ambrose University ADAPT - Craft Night
10 - Council Bluffs Polar Plunge
12 - Athletics Coaches Training with Dawn Criss
17 - Warren County Polar Plunge
20 - St. Ambrose University ADAPT - Science Night
24 - Cool School Plunge
27 - St. Ambrose University ADAPT - Spring Formal

1-16 - Esports Tournaments
5-26 - Virtual Spring Training Competition
28-30 - Virtual Spring Training Competition Series
All Month - Team Fit: Spring Training

May
1- Cedar Falls/Waterloo Polar Plunge
8 - Cedar Rapids Polar Plunge
8 - Iowa City Polar Plunge
10 - Cycling Coaches Training with Dawn Criss