April Newsletter

April 2022 Newsletter

Mid-Winter Tournament

On March 11th and 12th, 850+ athletes and Unified partners from across Iowa gathered in Iowa City and Coralville for the 2022 Mid-Winter Tournament. The tournament featured competitions in basketball skills, cheer and dance, gymnastics, powerlifting, and team basketball. Athletes were also able to receive Healthy Athletes Health Promotion and Special Smiles screenings.

We want to thank our sponsors and volunteers for all of their hard work to help make the event a success.

Click Here For Results

#RespectWeek

During the week of February 28th through March 4th, 110 Unified Champion Schools from across the state participated in #RespectWeek. This is an experience that highlights the joys of ALL ABILITIES and allows us to share the importance of INCLUSION.

Young Athletes Play Days

Young Athletes Play Days are a wonderful introduction to Special Olympics. Children participate in 11 different activities, representing 11 different sports offered by Special Olympics. The program helps increase the young children’s strength and coordination for sports while introducing them to group play, cooperation, and awareness of rules. We look forward to the upcoming Woodlawn and Central Lee Young Athletes Play Days!

Click Here For More Information on Young Athlete Play Days

Team Special Olympics Iowa

We are so excited to have 109 athletes representing the state of Iowa at the Special Olympics USA Games happening in Orlando, Florida, in June. Team Iowa athletes will be competing in track and field, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, and swimming. Team Iowa will also be visiting Disney World and the ESPN Wide World of Sports during their time.

Click Here To Meet the Team

Annual Awards Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Special Olympics Iowa Annual Awards. The award categories are Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year, Knights of Columbus Award, Outstanding Family of the Year, Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year, LETR Scott Bryan Memorial "Unsung Hero" Award, and LETR Outstanding Department of the Year Award. Nominations are due April 15, and the awards will be presented during the 2022 Summer Games Opening Ceremony on May 19th.

Click Here To Nominate Someone

Fundraising Central

Texas Roadhouse Tip-a-Cop Luncheon

Join us for a "free" lunch served by law enforcement. Simply leave a donation, at your table and 100% of your donation will go to Special Olympics Iowa!

Date: April 13

Time: 11:00am-2:00pm

Locations: All Iowa locations

Click Here To Find a Location Near You

Polar Plunges

Taking the Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity to support Special Olympics athletes right here in Iowa by jumping into frigid waters. You can take the plunge solo or with coworkers, friends, or family members. Register today to plunge in one of the spring Polar Plunges.

Polar Plunge Locations & Dates

Cedar Falls/Waterloo - April 9

Council Bluffs - May 7

Click Here To Register For a Polar Plunge

Cornhole & Cannonballs

Make a splash by taking the Polar Plunge in Council Bluffs! If jumping into cold water isn't your thing, you can still support Special Olympics Iowa by playing in a cornhole tournament! There will be youth, social, and competitive divisions, with prizes awarded to the top teams in each division. Sign up for one, sign up for both, the choice is yours!

Date: May 7

Location: W Broadway St, Council Bluffs

Click Here To Register

Coaches Corner

Registration Forms Available Online

Registration forms for one-day programs and sports competitions are available online! Go to the Participation Forms page on our website to view registration forms for upcoming SOIA events.