March Newsletter

March 2022 Newsletter

#RespectWeek

This week, February 28th - March 4th, 110 Unified Champion Schools are participating in #RespectWeek. These schools range from all geographic locations in Iowa and include elementary, middle, high, and college levels! In addition, many of our statewide sponsors will be participating in the festivities of #RespectWeek!

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

Mid-Winter Tournament

Next week, we are heading back to Coralville and Iowa City for Mid-Winter Tournament! There will be 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. Fans can purchase tickets at the link below until the game starts on Friday.

We are also looking for event volunteers; sign up to be a team basketball, cheer and dance, souvenirs, or photographer volunteer! There are morning, afternoon, and all-day shifts.

Click Here For Everything Mid-Winter Tournament

Basketball Regional and Area Competitions

We have officially wrapped up our regional and area basketball competitions for the season. There were 1,137 athletes who competed in various skills and team competitions across the state.

View Results

Track & Field and Swimming Competitions

Springtime means the beginning of the track & field meets and swimming meets, and we could not be happier about all of our competitions coming up in March and April. There will be events happening across the state in each area.

Find Your Area

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

Fundraising Central

Jersey Mike's

We are excited to announce that all Iowa Jersey Mike’s locations are collecting donations for Special Olympics this month. They will also have a Give Back Day on March 30^th. On this day, all sales will be donated to Special Olympics.

Give Back Date: March 30

Locations: Every Jersey Mike's in the United States

Old Chicago

When you visit any Old Chicago location during March, you can help support Special Olympics by leaving a donation. When you donate, you will receive a free appetizer, entrée, or dessert with your next order, thanks to our national partner SBP Hospitality! A special Give Back Night is scheduled for tomorrow, March 3, at the Ames, Ankeny, and Dubuque locations.

Give Back Night: March 3

Old Chicago Locations: Ames, Ankeny, and Dubuque

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

Warren County - March 5

Cedar Falls/Waterloo - April 9

Council Bluffs - May 7

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

Cornhole & Cannonballs

Make a splash by taking the Polar Plunge in Council Bluffs! If jumping into cold water isn't your thing, you can 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

Bags Tournament: Youth division at 9 am, Social division at 11 am, Competition division at 1 pm

Polar Plunge: 12 pm

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.