NOVEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Unified Champion Schools

Two Iowa Schools were amongst those recognized by Special Olympics in the Class of 2024 National Banner Unified Champion Schools.

National Banner Schools demonstrate a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence. Congratulations Ankeny Centennial High School and Central DeWitt High School for this prestigious honor and thank you for continuing to promote the importance of inclusion in your schools!

2024 NATIONAL BANNER UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities through education, sports and youth leadership to provide them with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote acceptance and respect. Special Olympics Iowa partners with pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges to implement or continue three main components of the Unified Champion Schools model.

Interested in becoming a Unified Champion School?

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State Bowling

More than 3,200 athletes and Unified partners participated in Area Bowling competitions that were held across the state throughout the month of October. Those who qualified for the State Bowling Competitions will be competing on November 22-23 at one of the four locations: Omaha (Maplewood Lanes), Des Moines (Bowlerama Lanes), Waterloo (Cadillac XBC), or Cedar Rapids (Cedar Rapids Bowling Center.) Congratulations to all who competed at the area events and best of luck to those competing at State Bowling!

AREA BOWLING RESULTS

Volunteers are needed in all four State Bowling locations on November 22-23. Click the button below to sign up!

VOLUNTEER

Athlete Leadership Conference & Youth Summit

The Athlete Leadership Conference and Youth Summit will take place December 13th-14th at the Marriott Des Moines Downtown.

The Athlete Leadership Conference has three tracks, focusing on speech writing and delivery, leadership, and problem solving. Sessions will focus on athlete leadership roles in your own delegation, area and state competitions, in the community and more.

The Youth Summit is a conference for middle and high school students that is focused on inclusive practices within schools, teambuilding, leadership, and problem solving.

For more information, please contact Director of Unified Programs, Krista Smith.

Winter Games

Join us in Dubuque for the Winter Games on January 13 and 14! The Games will feature athletes competing in snowshoeing, skiing, and ice skating events. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and alpine skiing events will be at Sundown Mountain. Figure skating and speed skating competitions will be held at the ImON Arena.

MORE INFORMATION

IHSAA Partnership

Special Olympics Iowa and the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) began a partnership during the 2023-2024 school year, and are excited to be continuing this school year! The partnership is an exciting step to grow and recognize Unified sports as other sports are recognized in schools and across the state. IHSAA is working to continue promoting Unified sports programs during the 2024-2025 school year. As Unified sports grow here in Iowa, we look forward to expanding offerings to schools this school year and beyond.

Potential opportunities through Special Olympics Iowa and the IHSAA include Unified bowling, Unified basketball and others as more IHSAA member schools establish Unified Champion Schools programs. These opportunities will be shared as they become available while IHSAA also works to promote Unified programs through Special Olympics Iowa.

Interested in being part of these opportunities?

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Get Your Trot On This Thanksgiving

Iowa's largest Thanksgiving Day tradition, the Des Moines Turkey Trot, has named Special Olympics Iowa as this year's charity of choice! Register today to experience the heart of downtown Des Moines in a fun-filled run before filling up on that Thanksgiving feast.

Those not interested in running the full 5k/5mile race can register for the 400 meter dash "Special Olympics Trot."

Athletes interested in participating should contact Maya Knudsen.

We are also looking for volunteers to help on race day. When registering, please indicate you are volunteering with Special Olympics Iowa.

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING CENTRAL

LETR Apparel

This year's Law Enforcement Torch Run apparel is still available for purchase through the end of the year! Order your shirts from a local law enforcement officer or by clicking on the link below. All proceeds go towards supporting Special Olympics Iowa athletes and Unified partners. Available apparel includes short and long sleeve t-shirts and short-sleeve polos.

ORDER LETR APPAREL

Come Chill With Us

We are on the downhill slide of our fall Polar Plunge® season, but you still have two more chances to dive into the fun! Join us at the Dubuque or West Des Moines Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics athletes while jumping into frigid waters. You can take the plunge solo or with coworkers, friends, or family members.

Fall 2024 Polar Plunges

November 9- Dubuque

December 7- West Des Moines

MORE INFORMATION

Tailgate for Teammates

The annual Tailgate for Teammates event took place on Saturday, October 19th at the West Des Moines Marriott. This event offered a sense of camaraderie, inclusion and pride among athletes and their supporters. The evening included upscale tailgate cuisine, fun and festive sports-themed activities, and a silent auction. A total of over $40,000 was raised for Special Olympics Iowa! Thank you to those who donated to and supported this year's Tailgate.