Casey's General Stores' Annual Campaign Raised Over 2.2 Million for Special Olympics

This June,  Casey's General Stores  held a month long round-up to bene fit  Special Olympics . Over $2,200,0000 was raised in 16 states, benefiting 16 different  Special Olympics   programs. $565,778.26 of that amount was raised in Iowa, and will benefit over 16,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners in our state.
With School Beginning so
Does Young Athletes Play Days
With school back in full swing, many Young Athletes Play Day events will be happening across the state. Young Athletes Play Days are an inclusive program for children ages 2-7 years old. During Young Athletes Play Days children come together to learn sports skills, socialization and create friendships.

There is no cost to attend and participants receive a free t-shirt and lunch. For more information and a full list of Young Athletes Play Day locations be sure to check out our website ( Young Athletes Play Days) or contact Wendy Olinger at wolinger@soiowa.org .

Fall Young Athletes Play Day Locations/Dates

Central Lee-Sept. 17
Sioux City-Oct. 3
Council Bluffs-Nov. 1
Muscatine-Nov. 7

State Softball Presented by
Sammons Financial Group
The Special Olympics Iowa State Softball Tournament presented by Sammons Financial Group (SFG) was held at Prairie Ridge Sports Complex in Ankeny on Saturday, August 3. The tournament showcased the talents of 23 traditional teams and 4 Unified teams, while the softball skills competition shined a light on the base running, batting, fielding and throwing skills of 65 athletes. Athletes came from Ames, Anamosa, Boone, Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, Des Moines, Fontanelle, Glenwood, Indianola, Iowa City, Leon, Logan, Mason City, Muscatine, Sheldon, Shenandoah, Sioux City and West Des Moines to compete in the tournament and skills competition.


We would like to thank Sammons Financial Group for their continued support of Special Olympics athletes all across the state and for providing all of the volunteers for the State Softball Tournament.
SOIA 2019 Hall of Fame Application Process Open
The SOIA Hall of Fame was created in 2018 by the Board of Directors as a way to recognize longevity and achievement of athletes and volunteers within the organization.  

Nominations must be postmarked by October 18 .  
Hall of Fame Nominee Criteria
Athlete Prerequisites
- Athlete has participated for a minimum of 10 years.
-Athlete must have illustrated dedication to sport-specific training and competition.
-Athlete has demonstrated positive sportsmanship conduct.
-Athlete has displayed a positive attitude for his/her events thereby encouraging others to participate in those particular sports.
-Athlete demonstrates a significant positive impact within the Special Olympics movement.

 Volunteer Prerequisites (coaches, event volunteers, LETR, etc) 
- Volunteer has had no less than 10 years of ongoing involvement in Special Olympics.
-Volunteer demonstrates behavior and conduct associated with integrity and sportsmanship.
-Volunteer has demonstrated involvement on various levels.

State Equestrian
The Special Olympics Iowa Equestrian Competition will be held on September 14 at the Jester Park Equestrian Center in Polk County. A total of 36 athletes will compete in the one day competition. Athletes will compete in one or two individual events including horsemanship, egg and spoon, barrel racing, ball drop, key hole race, pole bending and baton relay. 

All statewide competitions are open to the public. Click here for more information!
State Flag Football Tournament and
Skills Competition
The State Flag Football tournament will take place on Saturday, September 21 at Metro Youth Football Complex in Cedar Rapids. This state competition gives athletes of all ability levels the chance to play America's game. Flag football is a 5-on-5 non-contact sport played by male and female athletes, and teams are divided into three levels. New this year, there will be a Flag Football Skills competition where athletes will participate in catching, throwing, running and flag pulling.

Click here for more information on State Flag Football.
Calling All Athletes: Be Sure to Stop by the Health Promotion Event at State Volleyball
Have you ever wanted to attend a Healthy Athlete Screening but were unable to make it because you were competing? Did you know that you can attend the screenings even when you're not competing at the competition? We invite all athletes to come to any Healthy Athlete Screening, if you're not competing stop by get your screening and then stay to cheer on your friends. If you are competing, during a break in the action make a quick trip to the Healthy Athlete Screening area and then go back to your activity.

On Saturday, October 11 Health Promotions will be at the State Volleyball tournament in Ames at the Iowa State University, Forker Building. Come to this event, to get your height, weight and blood pressure checked and learn about skin care, tobacco safety, bone health, hydration and more. New at this event, we will also be providing Bone Density Screenings. This is a pain free way to see how strong your bones are. No need to register for your screening, just stop by and get your free screening. Any questions can be directed to Wendy Olinger at wolinger@soiowa.org .
Register Today to Become a Bowling Volunteer!
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available on November 23 for the State Bowling. For more information about available opportunities refer to the Volunteer Page on the Special Olympics Iowa website.
State Bowling Cedar Rapids (Westdale Bowl) - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
State Bowling Council Bluffs (Thunderbowl) - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
State Bowling Des Moines (Bowlerama and Merle Hay) - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Get Your Football Tickets!
Friends and family of Special Olympics Iowa athletes are invited to save on the purchase of Iowa State(ISU) and Iowa football tickets. Gather your family and friends and enjoy discounted tickets to the games listed below. 

University of Iowa Order Here
-September 28 (Iowa vs. Middle Tennessee State)
-November 23 (Iowa vs. Illinois)

Iowa State University (Seats will be in sections K through P) Order Here
-Sept 21 (ISU vs. Louisiana Monroe)
-October 26 (ISU vs. Ohlahoma State)
-November 16 (ISU vs. Texas) 
ButterBurgers® and Badges Recap
On July 16 Culver's locations across the state participated in the ButterBurgers® and Badges fundraiser for Special Olympics Iowa. The fundraiser included stores donating $1 from Concrete Mixers® that were purchased between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and at will donations from customers dining in. The 34 participating locations also collected "Change for Champions" during the month of the promotion.
A grand total of $21,344.30 was raised!
Special Olympics Iowa is the Charity of Choice
Special Olympics Iowa is excited to be the charity of choice for the upcoming IMT Des Moines Marathon.

IMT Des Moines Marathon
Date: October 19 and 20
Location: Court Avenue District, 300 Court Ave. Des Moines
Upcoming Fundraising
Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop
“Cop on a Rooftop” is a unique fundraiser where local officers stand on the roof of a local business while officers and other volunteers help collect donations at the entrance and drive-thru of the business. You’ll be able to get a free donut coupon from participating Dunkin’ stores when you make a donation to SOIA.

Dunkin’ has created a glazed red and white donut ring depicting the Special Olympics colors. The donut is called “The Champion” and will be available while supplies last. 
Date: Friday, September 6, 2019
Times: 6:00-11:00 a.m.
Over The Edge

The fear of heights is one of the most common phobias in the world...but why let that stop you? Over the Edge is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support Special Olympics Iowa athletes by rapelling off the 345-ft. Financial Center in downtown Des Moines.
Date: Tuesday, September 10
Location: The Financial Center, Downtown Des Moines
Cost: $1,000 fundraising minimum
Tailgate for Teammates
Nothing brings fans together like a good old-fashioned tailgate! Guests will indulge in upscale tailgate cuisine, take part in fun and festive sports-themed activities, bid on items in an auction, and cheer for athletes competing in upcoming Special Olympics Iowa events.
Date: September 28, 2019
Location: West Des Moines Marriott

Truck Convoy

Truck Convoy for Special Olympics is a national one-day celebration of the trucking industry, allied partners and law enforcement all working together to help raise money for Special Olympics Iowa.


Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 5
Location: Veterans Parkway to Iowa State Fairgrounds
Cost: $100

Polar Plunge® - Ready, set, FREEZE!
Are you brave enough to face the cold and help raise money for Special Olympics Iowa? Check out the list of Fall Polar Plunges below:

Fall Polar Plunge   Dates:
Davenport – Saturday, October 26
Sioux City – Saturday, October 26
Fort Dodge – Sunday, November 3
Dubuque – Saturday, November 16
West Des Moines - Sunday, December 8
Coaches Corner
Coaches' Guide Available Online!
The 2018-2019 SOIA Coaches' Guide is now available on our website !

Trainings 
Becoming a coach and coaching re-certification is now easier than ever!
 
Check out our new "Become a Coach" page:
 
You can now become certified/re-certified ONLINE !
Contact Bruce Wilson ( bwilson@soiowa.org ) if you have any questions about coaching certification.

Registration Forms Available Online
Registration forms for Challenge Days and Young Athlete Play Days are now available online! Go to the Participation Forms page on our website to view registration forms for all SOIA events.

Share Your Story!
Do you know someone with a great story to share? We're always looking to share our athletes' stories in the newsletter. Please email Karen Whitman at kwhitman@soiowa.org with your story ideas.
Event Calendar

Visit our online calendar for event updates!

September
3-Northeast Area Fall Coaches Meeting
3-South Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
4-West Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
5-North Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
6-Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop®
10-Over the Edge
10-Southeast Area Fall Coaches Meeting
10-Southwest Area Fall Coaches Meeting
10-Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
11-East Central Area Fall Coaches Meeting
11-Muscatine Unified Golf Tournament
12-Davenport Unified Golf and Bocce Tournament
12-North Area Fall Coaches Meeting
13-Northeast Area Soccer Skills
14-State Equestrian Competition
14-Cedar Rapids Unified Golf Tournament
17-Central Lee Young Athletes Play Day
21-State Flag Football Tournament
27-North Area Bowling
28-Jester Park Unified Golf Tournament
29-Northwest Area Bowling
28-Tailgate for Teammates

October
1-Southwest Area Bowling (Ages 8-21)
3-Sioux City Young Athletes Play Day
4-South Central Area Bowling (Ages 8-29)
4-Dubuque Challenge Day
5-Chow's Gymnastics Fundraiser
5-Sioux City Unified Golf Tournament
5-Truck Convoy
5-Central Area Bowling
5-Northeast Area Bowling
5-Northwest Area Bowling
5-South Central Area Bowling (Ages 30+)
6-Intramural Unified Volleyball (Drake University)
8-Des Moines Public Schools Unified Sports Day
8-Southwest Area Bowling (Ages 22+)
11-Northwest Area Bowling
12-State Volleyball
12-Northwest Area Bowling
12-Northwest Area Bowling
15-East Central Youth Bowling (Ages 8-21)
16-North Area Bowling
17-River Hills Challenge Day
17-North Central Area Bowling
17-West Central Area Bowling (Ages 8-21)
18-West Central Area Bowling (Ages 22+)
19-Upper Iowa University Unified Sports Day
19-Southeast Area Bowling (Age 22+)
20-Intramural Unified Volleyball (Drake University)
21-Medfest
21-Southeast Area Bowling (Ages 8-21 & All Ramp Bowlers)
26-Davenport Polar Plunge®
26-East Central Adult Bowling (Ages 22+)
26-Siouxland Polar Plunge®
27-Intramural Unified Volleyball (Drake University)

November
1-Council Bluffs Young Athlete Play Day
3-Fort Dodge Polar Plunge®
3-Intramural Unified Volleyball (Drake University)
7-Buena Vista University Unified Sports Day
7-Muscatine Young Athletes Play Day
8-Athlete Leadership Conference
10-Intramural Unified Volleyball (Drake University)
12-Southwest Area Unified Sports Training Day
14-Northwest Area Unified Sports Training Day
15-Northeast Area Rollerskating
16-Dubuque Polar Plunge®
17-Intramural Unified Volleyball (Drake University)
23-State Bowling