OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Unified Champion Schools

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities through education, sports and youth leadership to provide them with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote acceptance and respect. Special Olympics Iowa partners with pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges to implement or continue three main components of the Unified Champion Schools model.

Interested in becoming a Unified Champion School?

LEARN MORE

Staff Spotlight

Maya Knudsen

Health Programs Coordinator

Maya’s exposure to Special Olympics Iowa started at a young age, attending SO events with her sister who was an athlete, and working in respite services since she was 16 years old. Her exposure and passion for the organization grew when she attended college at Iowa State University, participating in Special Olympics events with her sorority. As the Health Programs Coordinator, Maya is most looking forward to working with the athletes and advocating for inclusive health for individuals with ID.

Erin Small

Torch Run Event Coordinator

Erin graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in event management. She was first introduced to Special Olympics while at ISU, participating in Greek Week events with her sorority. Erin is excited to work with law enforcement statewide to spread awareness about LETR and Special Olympics Iowa programs, and use her background in event management for fundraising events to help increase the success of the organization and serve more SO athletes.

Sela Ingalls

Regional Competitions Coordinator

Sela comes to Special Olympics Iowa with a background in event management, gaining experience in events with internships at the University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center and Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce. She served as a Special Olympics coach throughout her years of high school, growing her desire to continue working with SO athletes upon graduating from the University of Iowa. Sela is most excited about using her event experience to make an impact.

Kenzie Olson

Regional Competitions Coordinator

Kenzie graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in communications and media, and an emphasis in public relations and special event management. She is currently attending Grandview University pursuing her masters in Sport Management. She brings a wealth of education and experience in coaching, events, and as a para-educator to Special Olympics Iowa. Kenzie is excited to get involved with the SO community and begin working with the athletes.

Let's Bowl!

Area bowling competitions start this week and run through October. Bowling is Special Olympics Iowa's most popular sport, with over 2,000 athletes and Unified Partners competing in singles, doubles, traditional team, Unified doubles or Unified team bowling this month. Best of luck to all bowlers!

BOWLING CALENDAR

We are still looking for volunteers to help at each of the area bowling competitions as well as the State Bowling Competition on November 22nd in Omaha (Maplewood Lanes) and November 23rd in Des Moines (Bowlerama Lanes), Waterloo (Cadillac XBC), and Cedar Rapids (Cedar Rapids Bowling Center). Click the button below to see a list of locations and dates, and to register.

VOLUNTEER

Fall Classic Recap

PHOTO GALLERY

This past weekend we hosted Fall Classic presented by Honda at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex in West Des Moines. This state competition saw 805 athletes and Unified partners who competed in equestrian, flag football, Unified golf, pickleball, and volleyball.

Congratulations to all athletes who competed and thank you to all the volunteers for your hard work to make this event a success.

RESULTS

Hall of Fame

Do you know someone who has devoted many years to and goes above and beyond for Special Olympics Iowa? Nominate them for the Hall of Fame! The SOIA Hall of Fame was created in 2018 by the Board of Directors to recognize the longevity and achievement of athletes and volunteers with the organization. A voting committee is responsible for reviewing all nominations and voting for the inductees. The inductees will be announced at the SOIA Holiday Party on December 12, 2024. The deadline to submit your nominations is THIS FRIDAY, October 4.

NOMINATION INFORMATION AND FORMS

FUNDRAISING CENTRAL

Truck Convoy Recap

The Truck Convoy for Special Olympics was held on Saturday, September 21st. The Truck Convoy is an annual celebration of the trucking industry, its allied partners, and law enforcement all working together to help raise money for Special Olympics.

This year's Convoy saw 115 trucks traveling from Veterans Parkway in West Des Moines to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where they were welcomed by Special Olympics Iowa athletes, family members, colleagues, and law enforcement officers. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Truck Convoy and helped raise more than $37,000 for Special Olympics Iowa athletes.

PHOTO GALLERY

The Temps are Dropping...

We are sledding into the fall Polar Plunge® season with plenty of opportunities for you to dive into the fun! Join us at a Plunge near you for an opportunity to support Special Olympics athletes while jumping into frigid waters. You can take the plunge solo or with coworkers, friends, or family members.

Fall 2024 Polar Plunges

October 26- Siouxland

November 3- Fort Dodge

November 9- Dubuque

December 7- West Des Moines

MORE INFORMATION

Tailgate for Teammates

Hop in and buckle up. We're taking a road trip to a great party! Tailgate for Teammates is Saturday, October 19th and you won't want to miss this tailgate-themed gala that includes a silent auction, athlete meet and greets, food and drinks, and more. Seating is limited, purchase your tickets before they're gone! Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, October 11th.

PURCHASE TICKETS