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March 2023 Newsletter
Inclusion Week Recap
Last week 115 schools across the entire state participated in Inclusion Week. This is a week dedicated to highlighting the joys of all abilities and sharing the importance of inclusion. Many schools had assemblies to promote inclusion, and a few schools even had the chance to play a Unified basketball game at halftime of the Girl's State Tournament at Wells Fargo. Thank you to all teachers and administrators who made this week special for students!
Polar Plunges

The spring polar plunge season is here! 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)
Spring Classic
We are heading back to Coralville and Iowa City area for Spring Classic on March 10th-11th! 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.
Pickleball & Public Safety Recap
On Saturday, March 4th, Special Olympics Iowa and the West Des Moines Police Department partnered to host the first ever pickleball tournament fundraiser. Pickleball & Public Safety saw 53 teams and raised $4000 for Special Olympics Iowa athletes. The event also offered an opportunity for Special Olympics Iowa athletes to learn and practice pickleball in preparation for this year’s Fall Classic. Thank you to all the Pickleball & Public Safety sponsors, participants, and supporters for making the first year of this event so successful!
Summer Games Annual Awards
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for the Special Olympics Iowa community? Each year at Summer Games we offer awards to show appreciation for the remarkable people who make our mission possible.

There are opportunities to recognize exceptional athletes, coaches, volunteers, and more. Check out all of the awards and nominate someone you know!

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!

March
11- Spring Classic
17- NAIA Unified Basketball Clinic
18 - Warren County Polar Plunge
21- West Central Young Athletes Play Day
23- West Central Swimming Practice Invitational
24- North Swim
25 - Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Polar Plunge
26- East Central Swim
28- Harlan Young Athletes Play Day
31- Ames Polar Plunge

April
1- South Central Track and Field
6- Valley Community Center Young Athletes Play day
11- West Central Track and Field
13- North Track and Field
15- East Central Track and Field
15- Northwest Track and Field
15- Central Track and Field
15- East Track and Field
18- Southwest Track and Field
20- North Central Area Track and Field
22- Southeast Track and Field
22- Upper Iowa Unified Sports Day
22- Cedar Falls/ Waterloo Polar Plunge
22- Central Area Swim Meet
25- Taylor DMPS Young Athletes Play Day
25- West Central Swim Meet
26- Iowa Wesleyan Unified Sports Day
27- Woodlawn DMPS Young Athletes Play Day
29- Opportunities Unlimited MATP

Upcoming State Competition Dates
Spring Classic- March 11