MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Summer Games

We are gearing up for our biggest event of the year! Summer Games is held annually each May in Ames and will feature over 2,500 athletes and Unified partners competing in bocce, cycling, track and field, soccer, swimming, tennis, and developmental events. Join us May 16-18 for competitions, healthy athletes screenings, Olympic Festival, and more!

The 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 athletes to participate in that help teach strength and coordination while learning group play and cooperation.

Date: May 16-18

Location: Iowa State University

MORE INFORMATION

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 about volunteering? Reach out to Paula Doan, Volunteer Coordinator, at pdoan@soiowa.org.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Area Competitions Recap

It has been a very busy spring with area track & field and swimming competitions occurring around the state. Congratulations to all athletes who competed during March and April. We look forward to seeing many of you at Summer Games!

RESULTS

Staff Spotlight

Grace Poots

Programs Coordinator

Grace comes to Special Olympics Iowa with a background in event management and a certified EMT. Being an EMT, she is always looking for ways to help others. Grace was first introduced to Special Olympics when she attended Iowa State University, participating alongside athletes in Greek Week activities including Unified Fest and the Polar Bear Plunge.

Grace loves attending all SOIA events, and enjoys watching athletes compete and have fun.

FUNDRAISING CENTRAL

Plunging into Spring

So far this year, more than 2,840 individuals have brrrraved the cold to take the Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Iowa and raised $415,000! You have one more chance to join us this spring.

May 25 - Council Bluffs

REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION

Dallas County Sheriff's All-Wheel Show

Join us in Adel on Saturday, June 1st for the 15th Annual Dallas County Sheriff’s All-Wheel Show benefitting Special Olympics Iowa. 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, Long Distance, Best Off Road Vehicle and Top 20.

REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION

Swinging "Fore" a Cause

If you're an avid Hawkeye Football fan and also like golf, this one's for you! The annual Swing with the Celebrities Golf Tournament is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support SOIA athletes while joining current and former University of Iowa football players and staff for a day of golf and fun. Each foursome is paired with a "celebrity" for a day out on the course.

When: Wednesday, June 26th

Where: Finkbine Golf Course (1380 Melrose Ave, Iowa City)

Knights of Columbus Show Support for SOIA

At their state convention held in April, the Knights of Columbus presented Special Olympics Iowa with a statewide partner sponsorship of $30,000 and an additional $4,000 in donations. 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!