Area Competitions are Back!
This spring and summer, Special Olympics Iowa is holding 11 Area Games across Iowa. The competitions are giving Special Olympics athletes an opportunity to compete in the 50M dash, 100M dash, softball throw, standing long jump, and mini javelin throw. The Area Games do not feature head-to-head competition with other teams, but they are giving the athletes an opportunity to put their training to the test at an in-person competition for the first time since spring 2020.
2022 USA Games Applications Due Today
Are you an athlete or Unified partner who competes in athletics, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, flag football, powerlifting, swimming, or tennis? If so, don't miss this chance to represent Iowa on the national stage by competing in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Fill out a Team Iowa application today and submit it to registrations@soiowa.org by 11:59 p.m. tonight.

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.

Couch to 5K
Join fellow teammates and friends for a Couch to 5k program this summer! Train over the span of 8 weeks, building up mileage and strength while preparing to test your fitness with a 3.1 mile run/speed walk/roll. This is a great opportunity to train hard towards new goals, try something new, and get in shape for upcoming sports seasons. Join forces with teammates, friends, or family members to get your exercise in and hold each other accountable! Each participant will receive a t-shirt and a training booklet. 

Training runs June 7 - August 1!
Registration closes tomorrow, June 2.
Virtual Summer Games
The Virtual Summer Games saw 175 athletes, Unified partners, coaches, young athletes, and fans competing in an at-home competition that included athletics, bocce, cycling, tennis skills, and swimming events.

Following the at-home competition, the Special Olympics Iowa community came together for a week of virtual fun that featured social activities and Healthy Athletes screening and education experiences.

2021 Unified Golf Tour
Special Olympics Iowa will be holding a 9-stop Unified golf tour this summer and fall. The Unified golf tour will pair individuals with intellectual disabilities with Unified partners (golfers without intellectual disabilities) to compete in a team environment. Golf pairs will bring together individuals of similar age and ability, making the day fun and challenging for all. Several skill levels are offered to accommodate all skill levels.

There is no charge to participate. All participants will receive lunch and a tour t-shirt. Awards will be given out at the end of play.
Unified Golf Tour Dates & Locations
Dubuque - Derby Grange Golf & Recreation - July 17
Vinton - Vinton Skate & Activity Center - July 24
Spencer - Spencer Municipal Golf Course - August 8
Cedar Rapids - Twin Pines Golf Course - September 11
Granger - Jester Park Golf Course - September 25
Sioux City - Sun Valley Golf Course - October 2

Fundraising Central
Heroes Haul 2021
You’ve pulled an airplane but have you pulled a fire truck? Create a team of your strongest friends and try your hand at pulling a fire truck 12 feet! Teams of up to 10 will test their strength against a fire truck weighing approximately 80,000 pounds and compete to see who can pull the truck 12 feet in the fastest time.

Date: Saturday, June 26
Location: Michael Foods (101 Delaware St, Norwalk, IA)
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $500 per team ($50 per person for a team of 10)
Swing with Celebrities Golf Tournament
Enjoy a day of golf with current and former University of Iowa athletes and staff at the Swing with Celebrities Golf Tournament presented by Hawkeye Legacy. The tournament's specialty holes include the longest drive, hole in one, and longest putt. Prizes will be given to specialty hole winners during the awards dinner.
Date: Wednesday, June 23
Cost: $150 per playing spot in the tournament
Location: Brown Deer Golf Club
Dallas County Sheriff's All-Wheel Show
Join us in Adel this Saturday for the 13th Annual Dallas County Sheriff’s All-Wheel Show. The event will feature a competitive car show, commercial vendors, and free entertainment. Show awards will be given for Best of Show, Special Olympics Choice, Most Likely to be Stopped by a Cop, Bad Bike, Long Distance, and top 20.

Date: Saturday, June 5
Cost: $20 for the first car and $10 for every car after
Location: Dallas County Courthouse, Downtown Square 8th & Main, Adel
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!

June
1 - USA Games Applications Due
5 - 13th Annual Dallas County Sheriff’s All-Wheel Show
14 - Swimming Coaches Training with Dawn Criss
23 - Swing with Celebrities Golf Tournament
26 - Heroes Haul

7-30 - Couch to 5K Training

July
8 - Softball Skills Competition (Manning)
10 - West Central Conference Softball Tournament
10 - West Conference Softball Tournament
17 - Unified Golf Tour: Dubuque
17 - East Central Conference Softball Tournament
24 - Unified Golf Tour: Vinton

All Month - Couch to 5K Training

August
1 - Special Olympics Iowa Uptown Bags Tournament
1 - Couch to 5K Training
8 - Unified Golf Tour: Spencer