October News and Notes

SOIA Welcomes Lincoln Savings Bank as Newest Statewide Partner

Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) is proud to announce Lincoln Savings Bank as its newest Statewide Partner. With a gift of $25,000, Lincoln Savings Bank will be a Premier Statewide Partner for SOIA, after agreeing to become the Presenting Sponsor of the West Des Moines and Cedar Falls/Waterloo Polar Plunges.

The Polar Plunge® is a signature fundraiser for Special Olympics and offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support Special Olympics Iowa athletes by jumping into frigid waters. The West Des Moines Polar Plunge will be held Nov. 7 at Jordan Creek Mall and the Cedar Falls/Waterloo Polar Plunge will be held in the spring of 2016.

Statewide Partners are crutial to the operations of Special Olympics Iowa. These companies donate a minimum of $25,000 to SOIA while providing volunteers and other support to our events. If your company is interested in becoming a Statewide Partner for SOIA, please contact Vice President of Development Jamie Alt at jalt@soiowa.org or 515-986-5520.

SOIA Fundraiser at Iowa State Football Game Oct. 3 vs. Kansas

Join Iowa State Football in supporting Special Olympics Iowa Oct. 3 as the Cyclones host the Kansas Jayhawks! Prior to the 11 a.m. kickoff, volunteers and our athletes will be stationed at each entrance to Jack Trice Stadium collecting donations for SOIA. Drop off a donation on your way to cheering the Cyclones to victory!

Going Over the Edge for Special Olympics Iowa

By Tony Conrad, NASH ICON radio personality, from his blog, faithfamilyandtechnology.com

Once again this year my cluster of radio stations supported Special Olympics Iowa's Over The Edge fundraiser!

Last year I went all out to document the adventure of rappelling 345 feet off the Financial Center in downtown Des Moines.

I borrowed a GoPro camera for video footage. I took a lot of my own pictures (both before and after) and had family and friends on the ground taking pictures too.

I was happy to have the video and pictures... but this year I wanted to go low key. I didn't want to get caught up taking pictures or worrying if my family would get there in time. I just wanted to soak in the experience.

State Flag Football to be Held Oct. 3 in Cedar Rapids

The fifth annual Special Olympics Iowa State Flag Football Tournament will be held Oct. 3 at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids. Flag football is the newest competition for SOIA, allowing athletes of all ages and ability levels the opportunity to play America's game.

State Volleyball Tournament is Oct. 10 at Iowa State

Souvenirs for Sale at State Volleyball Tournament

In an effort to provide souvenir items at more competitions, SOIA staff will be selling t-shirts, polos, shorts, hats and other items at the state volleyball tournament this year.

Keep an eye out for souvenir sales at other upcoming events! All proceeds from the souvenir sales go directly to Special Olympics Iowa.

Tailgate for Teammates Promises Fun and Fundraising

SOIA athletes and their families are invited to Iowa's season opener at great discounted group rate pricing.Nothing brings fans together like a good old-fashioned tailgate. Tailgate for Teammates will offer a sense of camaraderie, inclusion, and pride among athletes and their supporters.

Join us on Oct. 17 from 6-9 p.m. at the State Historical Building in downtown Des Moines. Guests will indulge in upscale tailgate cuisine, take part in fun and festive sports-themed activities, bid for prizes in an auction and cheer for athletes competing in upcoming Special Olympics Iowa events.

Dubuque Racing Assoc. Continues Statewide Partnership

Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) is pleased to announce the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) will continue as a Premier Statewide Partner in 2016. Statewide partners provide a comprehensive level of support of all programs and services offered by SOIA. A statewide partnership includes financial support, in-kind donations or any combination thereof.

Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games are held annually in Dubuque where the organization's programs are able to take full advantage of the area's outstanding sporting venues: Mystique Ice Center, Albrecht Acres, Sundown Ski Resort and the Grand Harbor Center.

Rasmussen, Allen Join SOIA State Office Team

Katie Rasmussen and Jordan Allen joined the Special Olympics Iowa state office staff in September. Rasmussen has been named director of regional field services for the North Region of SOIA. She oversees the North, Northeast, North Central and Central Areas. Allen has been named the volunteer and unified sports manager for SOIA. She will manage recruitment and placement of all SOIA volunteers as well as the unified sports program.

Coach's Corner

Coaches Training Certification Clinics
To see a list of upcoming training clinics, visit our online calendar and click on the Coaches Training check box on the left.

Athlete Physical Updates

Reminders and updated for submitting an athlete's Application for Participation were sent out to all coaches. For legal reasons and for the safety of our athletes we have to follow these guidelines.

State Bowling Information

Oct. 23 - Registration Deadline for State Bowling

Nov. 21 - State Bowling Tournament

**Delegation reports will be emailed to each coach who has athletes qualify for the state tournament. Please return your delegation report with any scratches along with your coach/voluteer roster and confirmation page to Hayley Gross at the state office. If an athlete's physical expires on or before Nov. 22, they will need to send in a new physical by the registration deadline.

Sign Up for a Fundraising Event!

Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) continues to make a lifelong impact on the lives of our athletes. But the impact extends even farther...changing the lives of those who empower our athletes. Here's your chance to make an impact!

Polar Plungers Across the State are Freezin' for a Reason

Brrrrrrring on the cold! Whether you plunge solo or with coworkers, friends or family - for the ultimate bonding experience - we'll help you take "cool" up a degree or two. Click the above link to find a Plunge near you!

Des Moines Polar Plunge Moves to Jordan Creek Town Center

Special Olympics Iowa will bring the Des Moines area Polar Plunge to Jordan Creek Town Center on Sat., Nov. 7, 2015. The event is presented by Lincoln Savings Bank.

The Polar Plunge will take place in a pool, donated by Central Iowa Pool and Spa, set up in the south parking lot at Jordan Creek Mall. Festivities begin at noon with plungers, fans, families and athletes enjoying a wide variety of family-friendly activities - Scott Tudor Entertainment will be DJ-ing the event, the Aveda Insitute will have blowouts available after you plunge and Lincoln Savings Bank will have an interactive tent - just to name a few! Click the above link to sign up today!

Are You Ready for Some Football? Pigskin Madness Tickets on Sale Now!
We're gearing up for the NFL season and our annual Pigskin Madness tickets are on sale now! You have eight chances to win each week of the remaining NFL season!

Dine to Donate for SOIA at Granite City Oct. 22

Granite City will be donating a portion of its sales to Special Olympics Iowa on Oct. 22. Visit one of the three Granite City locations in Iowa - Cedar Rapids, Clive or Dubuque - on Oct. 22, show your server our flyer and 12.5% of your total tab will be donated to Special Olympics Iowa! Click above to see the flyer!