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Track & field season concluded at the end of April, and involved almost 3,000 athletes and Unified partners competing in area meets.
Congratulations to everyone that participated, and good luck to all athletes that advanced onto and are competing at Summer Games!
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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, tennis, and developmental events. Join us May 22-24 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.
| | Volunteer at Summer Games | | |
We are still looking for volunteers to help with scorekeeping, selling souvenirs, presenting awards, cheering on athletes, photograph, and more! We have morning, afternoon, or all-day shifts available.
Questions about volunteering? Reach out to Emily Morris, Volunteer Coordinator, at emorris@soiowa.org or 515-986-5520.
| | 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 coaches interested in applying to be part of Team Iowa for the 2026 USA Games should submit applications by June 6, 2025.
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Dan Lawson
Director of Finance
Dan, an Iowa native who grew up Urbandale and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, now resides in Virginia with his wife Jeanine. His exposure to Special Olympics Iowa through watching his niece Abbie compete for many years sparked a passion and joy for helping individuals with intellectual disabilities, and his background of 32 years as a Controller and CFO in the mortgage banking industry makes him the perfect fit in the SOIA Business Office.
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SOIA is creating a delegation directory on our website to help streamline the communication process and assist potential athletes, coaches, and volunteers in finding a program in their area.
Any delegation that wishes to be listed and have a page may fill out a request form by clicking the button below. Delegations will not be listed without submitting a request form and consenting to have their information shared publicly.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact Megan Filipi, Director of Marketing and Communications, mfilipi@soiowa.org.
*Please be advised any contact information submitted on the form will be made public, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
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Stop by your local Dunkin’ on Friday, May 16th for the 10th Annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser.
From 6:00am-12:00pm, guests who leave a donation for Special Olympics Iowa will receive a coupon for a free donut. A donation of $10 or more will get a second coupon for a free hot or iced coffee, and those who donate $20 or more will receive a Special Olympics Iowa tote bag (subject to availability, while supplies last.)
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In May, we celebrate Torch Run Week as law enforcement agencies around the state host Torch Runs and bike rides in support of Special Olympics Iowa. The week culminates with the Final Leg, a 38-mile trek from downtown Des Moines to Ames where the Flame of Hope is carried for the Summer Games opening ceremonies.
In recognition of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Iowa,
LETR apparel is available for purchase! In preparation for Torch Run week and the Final Leg, order your shirts from a local law enforcement officer or by clicking on the purchase button. All proceeds go towards supporting SOIA athletes, Unified partners, and programs. Available apparel includes short sleeve t-shirts in cotton and dri-fit options, polos, and hooded sweatshirts.
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If you're an avid Hawkeye Football fan and also like golf, you won't want to miss out on the annual Swing with the Celebrities Golf Tournament. Swing with the Celebs 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 25th
Where: Finkbine Golf Course (1380 Melrose Ave, Iowa City)
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May
7 - Central DeWitt Cool School Polar Plunge
9 - Council Bluffs Young Athletes Play Day
15 - Decorah Cool School Polar Plunge
16 - Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop
22 - Torch Run Final Leg
22-24 - Summer Games
June
7 - Dallas County Sheriff's All-Wheel Show
21 - Cedar Rapids Unified Golf
25 - Swing with the Celebrities
28 - Central Regional Softball Tournament
Upcoming State Competition Dates:
Summer Games - May 22-24
Visit our online calendar for more event information.
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