|
What a great three days of competition leading to another successful Summer Games! This year featured over 2,600 athletes and Unified partners competing in bocce, cycling, track and field, soccer, tennis, and developmental events. When not competing, athletes had the option to enjoy activities at Olympic Festival or go through our Healthy Athletes screenings. More than 35 athletes ages two to seven enjoyed sport stations and activities at the third Little Feet Meet, and 16 law enforcement agencies participated in the Torch Run Final Leg carrying the Flame of Hope 38 miles from downtown Des Moines to Ames.
Iowa State University and the Ames community was once again an outstanding host and truly created an atmosphere of inclusion for the athletes. We want to thank all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, donors, partner organizations, law enforcement officers, supporters, photographers, and spectators who helped make this event a huge success, and without whom Summer Games would not be possible!
| | |
During the Summer Games Most Valuable Partners Reception and Opening Ceremonies, members of the Special Olympics Iowa community were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the SOIA movement and support of our athletes. Congratulations to all the award winners, and thank you for your longstanding dedication to Special Olympics Iowa.
Athlete of the Year - Ellen Green, Dubuque Packers
Coach of the Year - Megan Jackson, Central DeWitt Community Schools
Family of the Year - The Rasmussen Family, Sioux City Knights
Adult Volunteer of the Year - Terri Smith, Central DeWitt Community Schools
Youth Volunteer of the Year - Claire Fischer, Scott County Adults
Unified Champion School of the Year - Harlan Community Schools
Business Partner of the Year - Wells Fargo
Knights of Columbus Award - Jason Follett
Outstanding Achievement Award - Kadence Williams, Hospitality
Scott Bryant Memorial Unsung Hero - Austin Dagenais, Polk County Sheriff's Office
Law Enforcement Agency of the Year - Iowa State University Police Department
Healthy Athletes Local Golisano Award - Mary Kelly & Kathy Thorsteinson, Special Smiles
| | 2026 Special Olympics USA Games | | | | |
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 coach applications are due by this Friday, June 6, 2025.
| | |
Softball season kicks off at the end of June and continues through the month of July, ending with the State Softball Tournament on August 2nd.
Click the more information button for registration forms.
Softball Dates & Locations
Central Regional Softball Tournament (Grimes) - June 28
West Regional Softball Tournament (Sioux City) - July 12
East Regional Softball Tournament (Cedar Rapids) - July 19
State Softball and Skills Tournament (Grimes) - August 2
| | Grab Your Clubs and Swing into Unified Golf | | |
The Unified Golf tour begins this month! Unified Golf pairs individuals with intellectual disabilities with Unified partners (golfers without intellectual disabilities) to compete in a team environment. The Unified Golf Tour offers opportunities to participate in varying skill levels, including 3-hole, 6-hole, 9-hole, and mini golf competitions.
Unified Golf Tour Dates
Cedar Rapids (Airport National Golf Course) - June 21
Dubuque (Derby Grange Golf & Recreation) - July 12
Spencer (Spencer Municipal Golf Course) - August 10
Vinton (Vinton Skate & Activity Center) - September 6
Muscatine (Muscatine Municipal Golf Course) - September 10
Davenport (Red Hawk Golf Course) - September 11
Granger (Jester Park Golf Course) - September 20
Sioux City (Sun Valley Golf Course) - September 20
| | | | |
The spring Polar Plunge® season has come to an end and we are so excited to report the numbers!
We hosted 7 Polar Plunges, where more than 2,990 plungers and chickens raised over $452,000!
Thank you to everyone that BRAVED the cold and helped raised funds or supported a spring plunge so that Special Olympics athletes can compete and be BRAVE in the attempt. Enjoy hibernation, we'll see you next spring!
| | Custard, Cops, and Contributions | | |
SAVE THE DATE
Culver's Butterburgers and Badges is July 10th! Local law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes will be collecting donations for Special Olympics Iowa from 4-8pm at select Culver's locations around the state. Stores will also be donating $1 from every Concrete Mixer® sold on the day of the promotion.
Thursday, July 10th
4:00-8:00pm
| | | If you like golf and supporting Special Olympics Iowa, we have several upcoming golf outings for your chance to do both! Join us at one of the following: | | |
Swing with the Celebrities
Avid Hawkeye Football fans that also enjoy swinging for a cause won't want to miss out on the annual Swing with the Celebrities Golf Tournament. Swing with the Celebs is a unique opportunity to join current and former University of Iowa football players and staff for a day of golf and fun, while supporting Special Olympics Iowa athletes and programs. Each foursome is paired with a "celebrity" for a day out on the course!
When: Wednesday, June 25th
Where: Finkbine Golf Course (1380 Melrose Ave, Iowa City)
| | | | | |
Jim Jordan Memorial Golf Outing
Named after Jim Jordan, a Kiwanis member and longstanding supporter, volunteer, and Board Member of Special Olympics Iowa, the Jim Jordan Memorial Golf Classic memorializes Jim and his many years of service to Special Olympics Iowa, while raising funds for continued support of athletes and Unified partners.
When: Wednesday, August 13th
Where: Otter Creek Golf Course (4100 NE Otter Creek Dr, Ankeny)
| | Big Support, Bigger Impact | | | | At their state convention held in April, the Knights of Columbus presented Special Olympics Iowa with a statewide partner sponsorship of $50,000! The Knights of Columbus have a long standing history of support for Special Olympics, extending beyond sponsorships to fundraising through tootsie roll drives, volunteering at competitions, spreading awareness about SOIA at the state fair, presenting the Honor Guard at the Summer Games opening ceremonies, and much more. Thank you Knights of Columbus for your long standing, continued, and unwavering support of Special Olympics Iowa! | | |
June
7 - Dallas County Sheriff's All-Wheel Show
21 - Cedar Rapids Unified Golf
25 - Swing with the Celebrities
28 - Central Regional Softball Tournament
July
10 - Culver's Butterburgers and Badges
12 - West Regional Softball Tournament
12 - Dubuque Unified Golf
19 - East Regional Softball Tournament
26 - Special Olympics Night at the Ballpark (Cedar Rapids Kernels)
Upcoming State Competition Dates:
State Softball - August 2
Visit our online calendar for more event information.
| | | | |
