January Newsletter

January 2022 Newsletter

Only 5 Days Until Winter Games

The talents of over 150 athletes will be on full display during the two-day Special Olympics Iowa 2022 Winter Games in Dubuque this coming week. Competitions will be held in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Dates: January 10 - 11

Location: Dubuque (Snowdown Mountain and Camp Albrecht Acres)

*Be sure to review the COVID-19 guidelines before heading to Dubuque!

View event details and COVID-19 guidelines

Lead Up Fitness Challenge

The Lead Up Fitness Challenge begins this coming Monday, January 10. If you are participating in the challenge, be sure to download the SO FitNow app by Monday!

Email Kara Enerson, kenerson@soiowa.org, with any questions!

Join Us in Welcoming Five New Faces to the Special Olympics Iowa Staff

Special Olympics Iowa is excited to welcome five new staff members to the programming team. Each new staff member comes to Special Olympics Iowa with a strong and unique background in Special Olympics.

Jason Miller, Director of Sports and Programs

Jason comes to us from the Muscatine YMCA, where he was the delegation manager for their Special Olympics delegation for over 10 years. Jason looks forward to working with all sports trainings and regional competitions/events.

Seann DeMaris, Director of State Games and Advanced Competitions

Seann is no stranger to our state and national competitions as he has been a member of both the Summer Games and USA Games steering committees. Seann is thrilled for the opportunity to bring athletes top-notch statewide competitions!

Kirsten Selsor, Sports Information Manager

Kirsten was introduced to Special Olympics when her little brother became a Special Olympics athlete. Since being introduced to Special Olympics, Kirsten has enjoyed seeking out different ways to support Special Olympics and the mission. Kirsten is eager to manage program and competition registrations and competition data.

Krista Smith, Unified Programs Coordinator

Krista discovered the positive impact Special Olympics can have on individuals when she was a high school Special Olympics coach. She is delighted for the opportunity to share that same impact with even more individuals through Young Athlete Play Days and helping athlete leaders share their stories.

Sydney Dommer, Director of Regional Field Services

Sydney comes to Special Olympics Iowa from the Iowa City Parks and Recreation delegation. She is excited to use what she learned as a coach to support the east region of the state, which includes the northeast, east, east central, central, and southeast areas.

Special Olympics Iowa Night With the Iowa Wolves

Join us for an exciting evening of Iowa Wolves basketball. The Iowa Wolves will tip-off against the Agua Caliente Clippers at 7:00 pm.

Date: Saturday, February 5

Location: Wells Fargo Arena (730 3rd Street Des Moines)

Ticket Price: $5 a ticket

Order tickets

Special Olympics Iowa Night With the Iowa Wild

Sponsored by Niece Trucking

Join us for an exciting evening of Iowa Wild hockey. The puck will drop between the Iowa Wild and the Rockford IceHogs at 7:00 pm.

Date: Friday, February 4

Location: Wells Fargo Arena (730 3rd Street Des Moines)

Ticket Price: SOIA athletes receive 1 free ticket; all additional tickets are discounted

Order tickets

Fundraising Central

Polar Plunges

Chill your body while warming your heart - join us at an upcoming Polar Plunge!

Polar Plunge Locations & Dates

Iowa City/Cedar Rapids - February 26

Warren County - March 5

Council Bluffs - March 26

Cedar Falls/Waterloo - April 9

Learn more about the Polar Plunges

7th Annual Dodgeball Tournament

Sign up your team for the 7th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Dodgeball Tournament today! Teams consist of 7 to 10 players and are guaranteed 7 matches.

Date: February 5, 2022

Cost: $200 per team

Location: Lakewood Gym in Norwalk, Iowa

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.