Iowa Special Olympics athletes compete at state summer games

AMES — The Special Olympics Iowa State Summer Games will take place May 21-23 in Ames with 2,800 Special Olympics Iowa athletes from across the state competing on the Iowa State University campus.

“This is the largest Special Olympics Iowa event held during the year,” said Special Olympics Iowa President/CEO Mark A. Reed. “Athletes, their families and coaches travel to Ames from every part of the state for this competition.”

Reed said athletes of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to participate in various sports and activities, including aquatics (swimming), athletics (track & field), bocce, cycling, developmental sports, soccer skills, 7-on-7 team soccer and tennis. A roller skating competition also is scheduled in Des Moines. More than 1,200 coaches and chaperones as well as 2,000 volunteers will donate their time to make this event a success.

The Opening Ceremonies will be held in Hilton Coliseum at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21. During the ceremony, Special Olympics Iowa athletes will parade into the coliseum and the flame to officially start the games will be lit. During the opening ceremonies, Iowa State University Vice President Warren Madden, will share remarks with the crowd in addition to Ames Mayor Ann Campbell and Special Olympics Iowa Global Messengers Corey Leonhard, Amy Powers and Rolla Lucas. The three-day event also features an Olympic Festival, a dance and the Healthy Athletes screening program to improve greater overall health and fitness for the athletes. 

Special Olympics Iowa, a statewide nonprofit organization, has provided sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities since 1968. In 2008, 11,350 athletes and Unified Sports Partners participated in Special Olympics Iowa events and competitions.

For more information, call (515) 986-5520 or visit www.soiowa.org.