OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

Fall Classic presented by Honda

This past weekend we hosted the first-ever Fall Classic presented by Honda at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex in West Des Moines. This new state competition saw 583 athletes who competed in equestrian, flag football, flag football skills, Unified golf, pickleball, volleyball and volleyball skills. Congratulations to all athletes who competed and thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work to make this inaugural event a success.

RESULTS

Ready. Set. Bowl!

Area bowling competitions are happening across the state from now until October 23rd. Over 2,000 athletes and Unified Partners will be competing in singles, doubles, team, Unified doubles or Unified team bowling. Best of luck to all bowlers!

MORE BOWLING INFORMATION

We are still looking for volunteers to help at each of the area bowling competitions as well as the State Bowling Competition on November 17th in Omaha (Maplewood Lanes) and November 18th in Des Moines (Bowlerama Lanes), Waterloo (Maple Lane), and Cedar Rapids (Cedar Rapids Bowling). Click the button below to see a list of locations and dates, and to sign up.

VOLUNTEER AT A BOWLING COMPETITION NEAR YOU

Employee Spotlight

Joseph Herst

Director of Development

Joseph has a background in business development, community involvement, and volunteering so working for Special Olympics Iowa was a perfect match. Joseph enjoys connecting with companies and individuals across Iowa to support Special Olympics Iowa’s events and programs near them. Attending the events themselves and watching the athletes compete is always the highlight of any given week.

Allyson Andriano

Community Programs Coordinator

Allyson joined the Special Olympics Iowa staff as a new Community Programs Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation with a Certificate in Disability Studies. She’s excited to grow in this role and help those all over the state through Unified Champion Schools and special programming!

FUNDRAISING CENTRAL

Fall Polar Plunges

Be bold, get cold! There's plenty of time to join us at one of our upcoming fall Polar Plunges and support Special Olympics athletes while jumping into frigid waters. You can take the plunge solo or with coworkers, friends, or family members.

Fall 2023 Polar Plunges

October 14- Siouxland

November 5- Fort Dodge

November 11- Dubuque

December 2- West Des Moines

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tailgate for Teammates

Nothing brings fans together like a good old-fashioned tailgate! Join us Saturday, October 28 from 6-9 pm at the Sheraton West Des Moines hotel to indulge in upscale tailgate cuisine and take part in fun and festive sports-themed activities. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on items in an auction, and cheer for athletes competing in upcoming Special Olympics Iowa events!

PURCHASE TICKETS