Sioux City Pair Wins Midwest Regional Special Olympics Unified Golf Tournament
Sudden death playoff ends with Sioux City Unified pair winning first ever Regional Special Olympics Unified Golf Tournament at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club in Albert Lea, Minnesota on July 14. The two day Special Olympics Unified match play tournament featured more than 10 Unified pairs from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin. 
 
Jesse Pease, Sioux City Knight’s athlete, and brother, Jason Pease went into the final hole of play having led the whole tournament. During the play of the final hole the Pease brothers found themselves trailing for the first time. The pair was able to save par putting them into a sudden death match against a Minnesota pair. The match ended with the Pease brothers making par and winning the match, and ultimately the tournament. 
 
Keith Pease, father of Jesse and Jason, shared, “This was truly an outstanding event; we found it rewarding to witness the respect athletes had for each other’s abilities and accomplishments.”

Congratulations Jesse and Jason!
Prepare for the 2019-2020 Year by Attending Your Fall Coaches Meeting
It is once again time for the important Area Fall Coaches Meetings. Be sure to attend your area's meeting to receive the latest information regarding competition dates, deadlines and changes to the sports competition rules and the Coaches’ Guide.

Central Area TBD
East Area August 21 at 6:00 p.m. (North Scott High School)
East Central Sept. 11 at 6:00 p.m. (Cedar Rapids Public Works)
North Area Sept. 12 at 6:00 p.m. (Spirit Lake Bedell YMCA)
North Central Area Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. (Fort Dodge Starlight Best Western)
Northeast Area Sept. 3 at 6:00 p.m. (St. Patrick Church Cedar Falls)
Northwest Area August 27 at 3:30 p.m. (Sioux City West Middle School) OR
August 27 at 7:00 p.m. (Sioux Center Middle School)
South Central Area Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m. (Creston Pizza Ranch)
Southeast Area Sept. 10 5:00 p.m. (Mt. Pleasant Pizza Ranch
Southwest Area Sept. 10 at 6:00 p.m. (Iowa Western Community College)
West Central Area Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. (SOIA State Office in Grimes)

Save the Date and prepare for the 2019-2020 SOIA Events/Competitions
State Softball is Two Days Away!

The Special Olympics Iowa State Softball Tournament sponsored by Sammons Financial Group is August 3 at Prairie Ridge Sports Complex in Ankeny. The competition will include a slow-pitch softball tournament and softball skills competitions focusing on the skills of base running, batting, fielding and throwing.
State Softball Tournament Schedule
Delegation Registration (8:00 a.m.)
Parade of Athletes Line-Up (8:30 a.m.)
Opening Ceremony (8:45 a.m.)
First Softball Games & Softball Skills Competition (9:15 a.m.)

We wish all participating athletes the best of luck!
Tis the Season for Unified Golf
The Unified Golf Tournaments have begun! This past month both the Dubuque and Vinton tournaments took place. For many, skills improved and new friendships were created. The tournaments allow both the athlete and the Unified partner to learn from each other while enjoying a day of golf.
Find the Unified Golf Tournament Close to You!
Spencer Unified Golf - (Spencer Municipal Golf Course) 8/11/19
Muscatine Unified Golf - (Muscatine Municipal Golf Course) 9/11/19 (reg. closed)
Davenport Unified Golf & Bocce - (Red Hawk Golf Course) 9/12/19
Cedar Rapids Unified Golf - (Twin Pines Golf Course) 9/14/19
River Hills Unified Golf - (River Hills School) 9/27/19 (reg. closed)
Jester Park Unified Golf - (Jester Park Golf Course) 9/28/19
Sioux City Unified Golf - (Sun Valley Golf Course) 10/05/19
Unified Rowing at the University of Iowa

The first season of Unified Rowing has begun at the University of Iowa. The program includes 6 practices that lead up to an event with the University of Iowa Rowing Club. This is the fourth sport the ever growing Unified program at University of Iowa as introduced to their athletes.
Athlete Leadership Conference is
November 8 & 9
The Second Annual Athlete Leadership Conference will be held Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9 at the Baymont Inn and Suites in Des Moines. The conference is designed to continue developing the leadership skills of current and new Global Messengers. All Speech Coaches are encouraged to attend. All those interested in attending must fill out the conference applications no later than October 21.  

Hotel rooms will first be provided to those who live outside of the Des Moines area and then to those that live in the Des Moines area. All registered attendees will receive a schedule and final details after the October 21 deadline.

Interested in becoming a Global Messenger?
Athletes interested in becoming a Global Messenger will need to have completed the Global Messenger application, have a person designated to be their Speech Coach and be able to attend the training, if selected. This year ten new athletes will be selected to attend the training. 

Interested in Becoming a Speech Coach?
We currently have a need for Speech Coaches in the Ames and Iowa City areas. If you are interested in supporting an athlete by becoming a Speech Coach please contact Wendy Olinger, Director of Athlete Initiatives. 
 
If you have further questions regarding this program, please contact Wendy Olinger by emailing  [email protected]   or calling 515-986-5520.
Fundraising Central

Grab Your Clubs and Join Us for Our Upcoming Golf Tournaments
The upcoming golf tournaments are a great opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support Special Olympics Iowa, while spending a day out on the golf course.
Jim Jordan Memorial Golf Classic
Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Location:  Otter Creek Golf Course, Ankeny, Iowa
Cost:   $80 per person (Kiwanis members receive a discount of $10 per person)


LETR Golf Tournament
Date: Monday, August 19, 2019
Location:  Beaver Creek Golf Club
Cost:   $75 per person / $300 per foursome
Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop
“Cop on a Rooftop” is a unique fundraiser where local officers stand on the roof of a local business while officers and other volunteers help collect donations at the entrance and drive-thru of the business. You’ll be able to get a free medium iced or hot coffee coupon from participating Dunkin’ stores when you make a donation to SOIA.

Dunkin’ has created a glazed red and white donut ring depicting the Special Olympics colors. The donut is called “The Champion” and will be available while supplies last. 
Date: Friday, September 6, 2019
Times: 6:00-11:00 a.m.
Over The Edge

The fear of heights is one of the most common phobias in the world...but why let that stop you? Over the Edge is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support Special Olympics Iowa athletes by rapelling off the 345-ft. Financial Center in downtown Des Moines.
Date: Tuesday, September 10
Location: The Financial Center, Downtown Des Moines
Cost: $1,000 fundraising minimum
Tailgate for Teammates
Nothing brings fans together like a good old-fashioned tailgate! Guests will indulge in upscale tailgate cuisine, take part in fun and festive sports-themed activities, bid for prizes in an auction, and cheer for athletes competing in upcoming Special Olympics Iowa events.
Date: September 28, 2019
Location: West Des Moines Marriott

Pigskin Madness

This annual fundraiser combines two of our favorite things…NFL football and raising money for Special Olympics Iowa! For just $20, you have 8 chances to win each week of the regular NFL football season – that’s 17 weeks of play!


The Torch Run Supporter T-Shirts
are on Sale!

Each year, law enforcement officers throughout the state sell supporter T-shirts to raise money for Special Olympics Iowa and show their support for the Torch Run. Buy your T-shirt today!
Sponsor Spotlight: GreenState Credit Union
In 2018, GreenState Credit Union, formally known as University of Iowa Community Credit Union,  became a Special Olympics Iowa Premier Statewide Partner. GreenState Credit Union plays an important role in helping Special Olympics Iowa put on the Mid-Winter Tournament each year.

Their members first philosophy matches well with SOIA’s vision to continue to support and promote inclusion and acceptance in all communities in Iowa.
Coaches Corner
Coaches' Guide Available Online!
The 2018-2019 SOIA Coaches' Guide is now available on our website !

Trainings 
Becoming a coach and coaching re-certification is now easier than ever!
 
Check out our new "Become a Coach" page:
 
You can now become certified/re-certified ONLINE !
Contact Bruce Wilson ( [email protected] ) if you have any questions about coaching certification.

Registration Forms Available Online
Registration forms for Challenge Days and Young Athlete Play Days are now available online! Go to the Participation Forms page on our website to view registration forms for all SOIA events.

Share Your Story!
Do you know someone with a great story to share? We're always looking to share our athletes' stories in the newsletter. Please email Karen Whitman at [email protected] with your story ideas.
Event Calendar

Visit our online calendar for event updates!

August
1-Bocce Coach and Athlete Training Clinic
3-State Softball Skills & Team Softball Tournament
3-Flag Football Skills Coaches' Training
11-Spencer Unified Golf Tournament
14-Jim Jordan Memorial Golf Classic
15-Glenwood Challenge Day
19-LETR Golf Tournament
21-East Area Fall Coaches Meeting
24-Cargill Night at the Ballpark
27-Northwest Area Fall Coaches Meeting

September
3-Northeast Area Fall Coaches Meeting
3-South Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
4-West Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
5-North Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
6-Dunkin Cop on a Rooftop
9 &10-Over the Edge
10-Southeast Area Fall Coaches Meeting
10-Southwest Area Fall Coaches Meeting
11-East Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
11-Muscatine Unified Golf Tournament
12-Davenport Unified Golf and Bocce Tournament
12-North Area Fall Coaches Meeting
14-State Equestrian Competition
14-Cedar Rapids Unified Golf Tournament
21-State Flag Football Tournament
24-Central Lee Young Athlete Play Day
27-North Area Bowling
28-Jester Park Unified Golf Tournament
28-Tailgate for Teammates

October
1-Southwest Area Bowling (Ages 8-21)
3-Sioux City Young Athletes Play Day
4-South Central Area Bowling (Ages 8-29)
4-Dubuque Challenge Day
5-Sioux City Unified Golf Tournament
5-Chow's Gymnastics Fundraiser
5-South Central Area Bowling (Ages 30+)
8-Southwest Area Bowling (Ages 22+)
11-Northwest Area Bowling (Ages 8-21)
12-State Volleyball
12-Northwest Area Bowling (Ages 22+)
12-Northwest Area Bowling
13-Northwest Area Bowling
15-East Central Youth Bowling (Ages 8-21)
16-North Area Bowling
17-North Central Area Bowling
17-West Central Area Bowling (Ages 8-21)
18-West Central Area Bowling (Ages 22+)
19-Upper Iowa University Unified Sports Day
19-Southeast Area Bowling (Age 22+)
21-Medfest
21-Southeast Area Bowling (Ages 8-21 & All Ramp Bowlers)
26-East Central Adult Bowling (Ages 22+)