JUNE 2024 NEWSLETTER

Summer Games Recap

What a great three days of competition leading to another successful Summer Games! This year featured over 2,500 athletes and Unified partners competing in bocce, cycling, swimming, track and field, soccer, tennis, and developmental events. When not competing, athletes had the option to enjoy activities at Olympic Festival or go through our Healthy Athletes screenings. More than 40 athletes ages two to seven enjoyed sport stations and activities at the third Little Feet Meet, and 15 law enforcement agencies participated in the Torch Run Final Leg carrying the Flame of Hope 38 miles from downtown Des Moines to Ames.

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, donors, partner organizations, law enforcement officers, supporters, and spectators who helped make this event a huge success, and without whom Summer Games would not be possible!

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A Community of Partnership

Join us in partnering with the Valley Community Center at one of their upcoming Love You Des Moines Days events! Special Olympics Iowa will be hosting two events during the 10-day celebration.

Both events will take place at the Valley Community Center Gym (4444 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines.)

Young Athletes Play Day

Monday, June 10th

9:30-11:30am

Unified Sports Day

Tuesday, June 11th

3:00-4:30pm

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Softball Summer

Softball season kicks off at the end of June and continues through the month of July, ending with the State Softball Tournament on August 3rd.

Click the more information button for registration forms and deadlines.

Softball Dates & Locations

Central Regional Softball Tournament (Des Moines) - June 29

West Softball Skills (Manning) - July 11

West Regional Softball Tournament (Sioux City) - July 13

East Regional Softball Tournament (Muscatine) - July 20

State Softball and Skills Tournament (Grimes) - August 3

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FUNDRAISING CENTRAL

Swinging "Fore" a Cause

If you're an avid Hawkeye Football fan and also like golf, this one's for you! The annual Swing with the Celebrities Golf Tournament is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support SOIA athletes while joining current and former University of Iowa football players and staff for a day of golf and fun. Each foursome is paired with a "celebrity" for a day out on the course.

Registration due by June 12th.

When: Wednesday, June 26th

Where: Finkbine Golf Course (1380 Melrose Ave, Iowa City)

Custard, Cops, and Contributions

Save the Date for the annual Culver's Butterburgers and Badges event! Local law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes will be collecting donations for Special Olympics Iowa at select Culver's locations around the state. Stores will also be donating $1 from every Concrete Mixer® sold on the day of the promotion.

Thursday, July 11th

4:00-8:00pm

New Statewide Partners

Special Olympics Iowa is excited to recognize and thank our two newest premier statewide partners - Wells Fargo and the Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association!

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Wells Fargo

For many years, you could find a large group of Wells Fargo volunteers in their red t-shirts at almost every venue during Summer Games as well as other Special Olympics events throughout the year.

This year Wells Fargo extended their partnership and funding to premier statewide partner status.

Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association

The Iowa State Sheriff’s and Deputies Association has been supporting Special Olympics Iowa annually for 15 years. As an organization whose mission is to promote the positive role of law enforcement throughout the state, they go above and beyond advocating for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. For years, they have helped by promoting and participating in LETR events and programs, which help us better support our athletes.