February Newsletter

February 2022 Newsletter

Winter Games Recap

The 2022 Winter Games was bursting with excitement! Athletes competed in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing events. When the athletes were not competing, they enjoyed time with other athletes at the Opening Ceremony, banquets, dance, and swimming party.

Thank you to all volunteers, coaches, sponsors, and supporters who made the 2022 Winter Games a wonderful event for our athletes! We couldn't have done it without all of your help and support.

Click Here to See Competition Results

Mid-Winter Tournament

We are heading back to Coralville and Iowa City area for Mid-Winter Tournament! The tournament will see hundreds of athletes competing in basketball, cheer and dance, gymnastics, and powerlifting. New this year, in coordination with the Mid-Winter Tournament, the Iowa Heartlanders hockey team will be hosting Special Olympics Night at the Iowa Heartlanders both Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12.

Click Here For More Information

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, and Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year. Nominations are due April 15, and the awards will be presented during the 2022 Summer Games Opening Ceremony in May.

Click Here To Nominate Someone

#RespectWeek

The #RespectWeek celebration, February 28 through March 4, will highlight the joys of all abilities and give individuals an opportunity to share the importance of inclusion. This year, 110 Unified Champion Schools will celebrate #RespectWeek in their schools. We invite you to join in on the celebration by sharing on social media or having your community participate in another creative way.

Click Here for More Information

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

Iowa Wolves Basketball

Join us this Saturday in Wells Fargo area for Special Olympics Iowa Night With the Iowa Wolves. 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

Please Share Your Input

Your opinion means a great deal to us. Will you take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing our online survey? Your responses will help us understand what is important to you, so together we can provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in sharing gifts, skills, and friendships.

Click Here to Complete the Survey

Fundraising Central

7th Annual Dodgeball Tournament

Get ready to dodge, duck, dip and dive this Saturday at the 7th Annual Norwalk Dodgeball Tournament. Each team is guaranteed 7 matches.

Date: February 5, 2022

Cost: $200 per team

Location: Lakewood Gym in Norwalk, Iowa

Order Your Torch Run Shirt and Merchandise

Each year, law enforcement officers throughout the state buy and sell t-shirts, polos, and hats to raise money for Special Olympics Iowa athletes and Unified partners to show their support for the Torch Run. Sales will begin mid-February and continue through the remainder of the year.

Order Here

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

Iowa City/Cedar Rapids - February 26

Warren County - March 5

Cedar Falls/Waterloo - April 9

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.