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February 2023 Newsletter
Winter Games Recap
Over 200 athletes competed at Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games on January 9th and 10th! Athletes had the opportunity to compete in alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, speed skating, and figure skating.

Thank you to all volunteers who helped make the events a success and congratulations to all athletes who competed!
Inclusion Week
The Inclusion Week celebration, February 27 through March 3, will highlight the joys of all abilities and give individuals an opportunity to share the importance of inclusion. This year, over 100 Unified Champion Schools will celebrate Inclusion Week 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.
Special Olympics Iowa Athlete Mitchell Betsworth is heading to Berlin!
Mitchell Betsworth will represent Special Olympics USA in powerlifting at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin this June. Mitchell of Sioux City, Iowa, has been involved with Special Olympics for the past 15 years in athletics, bowling, golf, powerlifting, soccer, softball and swimming. Since 2016, Mitchell has served as a Global Messenger, speaking on behalf of the organization. That same year, he was awarded Special Olympics Iowa Male Athlete of the Year. He competed at the Special Olympics USA Games in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Special Olympics has provided Mitchell the opportunity to make new friends across the state and now, across the world.
Polar Plunges

The spring polar plunge season is fast approaching. Cool your body while warming your heart and join us at an upcoming Polar Plunge!
2023 Spring Polar Plunge Locations & Dates

Warren County (Norwalk) - March 18
Iowa City/Cedar Rapids - March 25
Cedar Falls/Waterloo - April 22
Council Bluffs - May 6 (tentative)
Wild Game Dinner at the Ackley American Legion
On March 4th, local hunters will be preparing their best dishes for you to try, including pheasant fettuccine alfredo, raccoon brats, alligator creole, and more! The dinner is located at Ackley American Legion (639 Main St. Ackely, Iowa). A goodwill donation will be accepted at the door, and there will also be door prizes, a raffle for gift cards, and a 50/50 drawing. We hope to see you there!
Spring Classic
We are heading back to Coralville and Iowa City area for Spring Classic on March 11th & 12th! This event will see hundreds of athletes competing in basketball, cheer and dance, gymnastics, and powerlifting. Cheerleading, dance, and powerlifting events will be held at Iowa City West High School. Team basketball and gymnastics will be held at the University of Iowa Fieldhouse, and Basketball skills will be held at GreenState Family Fieldhouse.

The deadline to register for Spring Classic is February 17th.
Pickleball & Public Safety
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America, and this is your chance to participate in this fun sport while supporting and raising funds for a good cause! Join Special Olympics Iowa and the West Des Moines Police Department at Life Time in Urbandale on Saturday, March 4th.

Participants will register as teams of two in one of three divisions: men's, women's, or co-ed. Awards will be given to the top 3 teams in each division.
LETR Apparel
Law Enforcement Torch Run apparel is now available for purchase! Order your apparel from a local law enforcement officer or by clicking on the link below. All proceeds go towards supporting Special Olympics Iowa athletes and Unified partners. Available apparel includes short and long sleeve t-shirts, polos, and hats.
Coaches Corner
Sports Training on Track & Field via Zoom

All Delegation Managers, Coaches, and Assistant Coaches are invited to join us for Sports Training on Track & Field via Zoom, Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30 pm.
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!

February
3 - Hills and Dales Motor Activity Training Program
4 - Northeast Area Basketball Skills
4 - West Central Regional Basketball Tournament
4 - West Regional Basketball Tournament
9 - North Central Area Basketball Skills
10 - Council Bluffs Young Athlete Play Day
10-Central Area Basketball Skills
11 - East Central Area Basketball Skills
11 - East Central Regional Basketball Tournament
11 - Wartburg Unified Sports Day
14 - William Penn Unified Sports Day
16 - North Area Young Athletes Play Day
24 - River Hills Young Athletes Play Day
25- East Area Swim

March
4- Pickleball & Public Safety
4 - Wild Game Dinner
5- Northeast Track and Field
5- Northeast Swim
11- Spring Classic
18 - Warren County Polar Plunge
21- West Central Young Athletes Play Day
24- North Swim
25 - Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Polar Plunge
26- East Central Swim
28- Harlan Young Athletes Play Day

February 27 - March 3 - #InclusionWeek

Upcoming State Competition Dates
Spring Classic- March 11