June 2023 Newsletter
Summer Games Recap
It was wonderful to be back in Ames for the Summer Games! This year featured over 2,000 athletes and Unified partners competing in bocce, cycling, swimming, track and field, soccer, and tennis. When athletes were not competing, athletes had the option to go to the Olympic Festival or through our Healthy Athletes screenings, where they were seen by clinicians. Athletes ages two to seven could compete in the Little Feet Meet.

Our athletes experienced an unforgettable two-and-a-half days of competition, thanks to many people, including volunteers, donors, partner organizations, and supporters. Everyone went the extra mile to uplift our Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners.

Iowa State University and the whole Ames community was once again an outstanding host and truly created an atmosphere of inclusion for our athletes. We want to thank all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, and spectators who helped make this event a huge success.
Dr. Jay Christiansen Receives Golisano Health Leadership Award
The Golisano Health Leadership Award is given on behalf of Special Olympics Iowa and the Golisano Health Foundation to recognize one’s outstanding leadership in Special Olympics Iowa health programming and ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual disabilities.

Dr. Christiansen has been a part of Special Olympics Iowa's Healthy Athletes program as the Opening Eyes Clinical Director for over 20 years. He displays a strong sense of advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their access to healthcare. He actively works to assist athletes with screenings and follow-up care. His strong commitment to the health of Special Olympics athletes is evident through his actions and words. He is truly making a difference in the lives of Special Olympics Iowa Athletes.
Mitchell Betsworth is Headed to Berlin This Weekend!
Mitchell Betsworth will leave this Saturday, June 10th to represent Special Olympics USA in powerlifting at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin this June 17-25.

How can you show your support? Spread the word on social media! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #Cheer4USA. We have two easy ways for you to do that:
1. Take a video of yourself doing our “#Cheer4USA” chant.
2.Post this “I’m a super fan!” graphic on your social media telling us why you are cheering for Special Olympics USA.
Fundraising Central
Plane Pull
Airplanes, obstacle courses, mascots, and ice cream? This year’s Plane Pull will have fun for the whole family, don’t miss out!

Grab 7 of your friends and register for this year’s Plane Pull. Teams of 8 will test their strength to see who can pull an 80,000-pound airplane for the fastest time.
Date: Saturday, June 17th
Location: Des Moines International Airport, Endeavor Air Hanger
Not interested in pulling a plane but still want to be part of the action? Register to volunteer!
Swing With The Celebrities Golf Tournament
Enjoy a day of golf with current and former University of Iowa football players! The Swing with the Celebrities Golf Tournament, presented by Hawkeye Legacy, will take place on Monday, June 26th at Finkbine Golf Course.

The tournament's specialty holes include the longest drive, hole-in-one, and longest putt. Prizes will be given to specialty hole winners during the awards dinner.
Registration is due by Monday, June 12th.
Butterburgers® and Badges Fundraiser

Save the date!

July 18th, 4:00- 8:00 PM
Local law enforcement and Special Olympic athletes will be collecting donations for Special Olympics. Stores will also be donating $1 from every Concrete Mixer® sold on the day of the promotion. Stores will also be collecting money in canisters during the month of the promotion, called “Change for Champions.”
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.
Event Calendar

Visit our online calendar for event details!

June
17- Plane Pull
26- Swing with the Celebrities Golf Tournament

July
6- West Softball Skills
8- West Regional Softball Tournament
15- East Regional Softball Tournament
15- Central Regional Softball Tournament
16- Dubuque Unified Golf
16- Vinton Unified Golf
22- Cargill Night at the Ballpark
22- East Softball Skills


Upcoming State Competition Dates
State softball and softball skills: August 5th