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100 SOMO supporters to rappel from the 19th story Four Seasons Hotel at Lumiere Place on Friday, October 1^st.

(ST. LOUIS, MO) – Attention thrill seekers and fans of Special Olympics: We want you to go Over the Edge! 

On Friday, October 1, Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) and the Four Seasons Hotel at Lumiere Place will host St. Louis’ newest and most extreme fundraiser – Over the Edge! During the event, one hundred people will each rappel from the 19th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel to the street below. Each participant will raise funds for SOMO to take part in this event – all funds from Over the Edge will stay in St. Louis and directly support year-round sports training and competition for more than 3,000 SOMO athletes in the St. Louis Metro Area. Over the Edge is presented by the St. Louis City and St. Louis County Police Departments as part of their tremendous commitment to SOMO athletes through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

 “We take pride in providing a year-round program at no cost to our athletes, that allows them to achieve goals in life they once thought impossible. With Over the Edge, we’re asking our fans to do the same thing. By stepping outside their comfort zones for one day, 100 fans will make it possible for Special Olympics athletes to create a lifetime of their own unforgettable memories,” said Jennifer Brown, SOMO’s St. Louis Metro Development Director.      

The event is open to the first 100 fans who meet the following criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older by event date; 2. Weigh 300 pounds or less by event date; 3. Raise a minimum of $1000 for Special Olympics Missouri by event date. All participants will receive a prize package consisting of our official event apparel, a photo of their rappel and admission to our official post-party. Additional prizes are available for the top fundraisers and top recruiters. 

For more information or to register, visit www.somo.org/edgestl or contact Special Olympics at 314-961-7755 or brown@somo.org.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 19 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

(St. Louis)- Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officials will celebrate the 25^th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) on May 25. The special ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at the main entrance of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles. Law enforcement officials from the first St. Louis torch run will take part in the ceremony, which will also include participation by Special Olympics athletes, St. Charles city officials and Ameristar Team Members. Past ceremonies have honored fallen officers, law enforcement-military veterans and Missouri Police Chiefs.

The kick-off ceremony starts the Torch Run to Springfield, Mo. for the start of Special Olympics Missouri State Summer Games. Before arriving in Springfield, the law enforcement officers will make a brief stop with the torch at 10:45 a.m. at the O’Fallon North Shop’n Save store. Special Olympics St. Louis Metro Area serves athletes in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and six surrounding counties (Franklin, Jefferson, Pike, St. Charles and Warren) and athletes from the area will be in attendance. More than 900 runners from 100 law enforcement agencies will participate in the 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run. They will complete 35 different routes and cover 1,000 miles across Missouri. The Missouri Police Chiefs Association founded the Missouri Torch Run.

Celebrating 25 years

Law enforcement chose Special Olympics 25 years ago and has been raising funds and awareness consistently. “They are heroes because they don’t want recognition; they work tirelessly so the focus is on our athletes,” says Mark Musso, President of SOMO. To leave a message or make a donation, visit www.somo.org/letr25years. If you have questions or would like more information regarding the Law Enforcement Torch Run, please contact Susan Stegeman, Chief Development Officer, at stegeman@somo.org or by calling 1-800-846-2682. More 25 year facts can be found at www.somo.org/letr25years.

Nearly 200 Missouri Law Enforcement Agencies are attempting to raise $1,650,000 this year to hit an all-time high record. They set this goal as a capstone for the 25^th year. They got off to a great start this year after their Polar Plunge season where local law enforcement hosted 13 Plunges. Officers are working hard by selling Torch Run T-shirts, holding Tip-A-Cop events, their summer car raffle and their newest even for rappellers called Over the Edge. In 2009, Missouri’s Torch Run was ranked No. 7 in the world based on gross dollars raised. Randy Boehm, retired chief of the Columbia, Mo. Police Department, chairs the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Shop’n Save is their statewide partner.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 19 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

The St. Louis Metro Area award winners are:
OUTSTANDING ATHLETE: LINDSEY HAWKINS, FENTON
Lindsey Hawkins is a never ending ball of energy.  She tackles every task asked of her as it is her crowning moment and if she sees an opportunity to promote SOMO, she jumps on it.  When she isn’t working as a hostess she is attending her own practice or helping her mom coach younger athletes.  On top of that in 2009 she made over 20 speaking appearances. Thank you, Lindsey, and congratulations. 

OUTSTANDING COACH: KAREN RYAN, SULLIVAN
This award winner has been involved the Sullivan program for more than 30 years.  Never has an athlete been left behind with Karen Ryan. She makes sure anyone who wants to participate has the resources to do so.  Even when breast cancer took a toll on her body, she didn’t stop caring for her athletes and meeting their needs. She is a coach and a friend.  Thank you, Karen.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER: LYNN STEWART, ST. LOUIS
Our outstanding volunteer has been the voice of SOMO for ten years. What began as a relationship with her employer has turned into a passion for Lynn. She is eager to promote our events, make appearances and she serves on event planning committees. There is no end to the work Lynn will do to promote Special Olympics. Thank you, Lynn

OUTSTANDING FAMILY: THE WILLIAMS FAMILY, BLACKJACK
Out honorees for outstanding family are very well known in the St. Louis area for their participation and their contribution. The Williams family is always looking for ways to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics. Maureen and Tom are willing to go to the next level to make sure Brian and his teammates get the most of their involvement and Brian works hard to make his parents proud. We are so appreciative of this families 25 year dedication.

OUTSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: JEFF COOK, O’FALLON
Officer Jeff Cook is the Student Resource Officer for Fort Zumwalt North High School. He is very passionate about O’Fallon, his students, football, motorcycles and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. His active involvement is instrumental in the success of Torch Run activities in St. Louis and across the state.  Thank you, Officer Cook, for all that you do.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION: HARRAH’S CASINO, MARYLAND HEIGHTS
We are excited to welcome them back in a BIG way.  They host our Torch Run kick off and for the last three years have been the Presenting sponsor of our Victory Village here at Spring Games. This last year, they signed on as an Official Partner with a three year commitment of $45,000 to Special Olympics. Our thanks to Lindy Kirsch, Marcus Glover and the entire Harrah’s team.

A complete listing of all the statewide and area award winners will be posted on the SOMO website at  www.somo.org in early June.  Please visit the Press Box section. For information about Special Olympics Missouri or the Annual Award recipients, please contact Mandi Mueller at 1-800-846-2682 or mueller@somo.org.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state.  Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends and communities across Missouri. 

(St. Louis)The Special Olympics USA National Games will be held July 18-23, 2010. In the heart of the competition in Lincoln, Neb., will be Missouri’s own delegation of more than 160 athletes and coaches. Team Missouri athletes will compete individually in aquatics, athletics, bocce, bowling, golf, powerlifting and tennis, and the delegation will also include five teams in basketball, flag football, softball and volleyball.

Athletes and coaches from the St. Louis Area include:
Michelle Conley, 28. She will compete in aquatics. She is from Webster Groves.
Frederick Crouch, 63. He will be coaching aquatics. He is from Ferguson.
Justin Goolsby, 24. He will compete in aquatics. He is from St. Louis.
Matt Lauer, 30. He will be coaching aquatics. He is from St. Louis.
Pat Hawkins, 57. He will be coaching athletics. He is from Fenton.
Mike Lowry, 58. He will be coaching athletics. He is from Bridgeton.
Jason Wilmesherr, 31. He will compete in athletics. He is from Washington.
Steve Wilmesherr, 56. He will be coaching athletics. He is from Washington.
Justin Bernhardt, 13. He will compete in basketball. He is from Florissant.
Crystal Chalk, 31. She will be coaching basketball. She is from O’Fallon.
Marcia Faits, 21. She will compete in basketball. She is from St. Louis.
Paul Faits, 60. He will be coaching basketball. He is from St. Louis.
Paul Gerth, 61. He will compete in basketball. He is from South Florissant.
Stephanie Gerth, 24. She will compete in basketball. She is from Florissant.
Daniel Hooker, 19. He will compete in basketball. He is from St. Louis.
Jared Hooker, 17. He will compete in basketball. He is from St. Louis.
Anton Jones, 15. He will compete in basketball. He is from St. Louis.
Joshua Landwehr, 17. He will compete in basketball. He is from St. Louis.
Darrius Roberts, 19. He will compete in basketball. He is from St. Louis.
Kenneth Walz, 19. He will compete in basketball. He is from Florissant.
Dallas Griffin, 31. He will compete in Bowling. He is from Fenton.
Edwin Blaylock, 40. He will be coaching powerlifting. He is from Festus.
Rob Kissee, 33. He will compete in powerlifiting. He is from Pevely.
Chet Hollingshed, 30. He will be competing as a Unified Partner in softball. He is from Sullivan.
Bill Fankhauser, 45. He will be coaching volleyball. He is from St. Charles.
Josh Fankhauser, 18. He will compete in volleyball. He is from St. Charles.
Lindsey Hawkins, 20. She will compete in volleyball. She is from Fenton.
David Kime, 28. He will compete in volleyball. He is from St. Charles.
Nick McMullin, 19. He will compete in volleyball. He is from St. Charles.
Zachary Nevels, 19. He will compete in volleyball. He is from St. Peters.
Matt Price, 19. He will compete in volleyball. He is from St. Charles.
Matt Smitherman, 18. He will compete in volleyball. He is from St. Charles. 

Team Missouri will travel to Lincoln to make some MO Magic, along with 51 other delegations from the United States. More than 3,000 athletes are expected to compete at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the surrounding communities. More than 1,000 coaches are expected and an estimated 8,000 volunteers will be needed.

For Special Olympics athletes, participation in a national event like this means greater self-confidence, a more positive self-image, an enormous amount of pride and the opportunity to create lifelong memories. Standing on the awards stand to receive a medal alongside athletes from all across the nation is truly a moment that they have only dreamed of.

The cost to send Team Missouri to Special Olympics National Games is approximately $165,000. This will cover training, transportation, uniforms, meals, equipment, housing and other costs associated with competition. We are seeking businesses, organizations and individuals who want to “Feel the MO Magic” and support this group of world-class athletes and coaches. Each delegate is trying to raise at least $1,000. Support an athlete from your hometown by visiting www.somo.org/teammissouri, where you can make a donation online through Special Olympics Missouri’s secure system. For more information about fundraising, contact Laurie Shadoan, Shadoan@somo.org or 800.846.2682.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

The 35th Annual St. Louis Metro Area Spring Games is moving forward as planned.  The Opening Ceremonies has been moved into the Gym and the Softball Throw has been cancelled due to the wet conditions of the fields.  All other events are moving ahead as scheduled.

More information will follow as weather conditions develop.

From October 2009 to December 2009, customers at the 41 Shop 'n Save locations throughout Missouri and Illinois were asked at the register if they would like to "Round Up" for Special Olympics.  Checkers encouraged customers to "Round Up" their grocery bill to the nearest dollar with the change donated to Special Olympics Missouri and Illinois athletes.  Thanks to the generosity of its customers, Shop 'n Save recently donated $27,615.59 to Special Olympics with $12,378.52 to Special Olympics Missouri and $15,237.07 to Special Olympics Illinois.

Special Olympics has been the charity of choice for Shop 'n Save for the last decade.  They not only provide monetary support through the Law Enforcement Torch Run initiatives, but also in-kind support and volunteers for our numerous competitions and fundraisers.

The "Round Up" for Special Olympics is the first of its kind for Shop 'n Save.  New technology was recently purchased for each store to help increase customer service and interaction with their customers.  This initiative benefited 15,000 athletes in Missouri and 22,000 athletes in Illinois. 

The "Round Up" is not the only in-store fundraiser that Shop 'n Save hosts for Special Olympics.  The Law Enforcement Torch Run T-Shirt Event and Cop on Top event are just two of the other events hosted at local Shop 'n Save stores.  During these events, Law Enforcement officers take to the stores to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes in Missouri and Illinois. 

Thank you, Shop 'n Save, for your continued support and generosity! 

(Lake St. Louis) The 7th Annual Polar Plunge on Feb. 6 at Lake St. Louis was a splashing success, raising $100,409 to date. A record 443 brave men and women from around the area donned costumes and swimwear to take a chilly dip into Lake St. Louis. Their Reason for Freezin’… the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri! 

Online fundraising is still ongoing. Donations can be made at www.somo.org/plunge.

Top fundraisers included:
1^st Place Fundraiser – Bill Chancellor- $3,745
1^st Place School Fundraiser – Fort Zumwalt West Middle School
1^st Place Group Fundraiser – Warren County - $5,645
1^st Place Law Enforcement Fundraiser – O’Fallon Police Department - $8,130

Competition for the Golden Plunger was steep this year. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and compete for the chance to take home the “golden plunger.”
1^st Place Individual – Riley Cook – “Willie” the Simpson’s groundskeeper
1^st Place Group – O’Fallon Police Department – The Simpson’s

This year’s event was held in conjunction with Lake St. Louis Police Department, O’Fallon Police Department, and Wentzville Police Department. Presenting sponsors included 92.3 WIL, Shop N’ Save, and Outback Steakhouse.

For more information about the Polar Plunge, visit www.somo.org/plunge.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

(Louisiana) The 3rd Annual Polar Plunge on January 30th at Louisiana was a splashing success, raising $3,719.37 to date. 41 brave men and women from around the area donned costumes and swimwear to take a chilly dip into the Mississippi River. Their Reason for Freezin’… the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri!

Online fundraising is still ongoing. Donations can be made at www.somo.org/plunge.

Top individual fundraiser included the following:
1^st Place Fundraiser –William Brisco - $402

Competition for the Golden Plunger was steep this year. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and compete for the chance to take home the “golden plunger.”
1^st Place – Daren Ames - Tampax

This year’s event was held in conjunction with Louisiana Police Department.

For more information about the Polar Plunge, visit www.somo.org/plunge.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

Special Olympics Missouri has made the decision to cancel this Saturday’s St. Louis Metro Area basketball tournament in Union based on road conditions, snowfall and the weather conditions expected this weekend.

I know many of you put in a lot of time preparing, and/or had made time in your schedule to join us. I apologize for any inconvenience, but please know this decision was reached in the interest of safety and in making sure we maintain a first-class sporting event for our athletes. 

There is no makeup date for area basketball. However, this cancellation does NOT impact your team’s ability to advance to Districts or State.  All teams are welcome and encouraged to participate in the district basketball tournament in either Cape Girardeau or Sedalia, and we welcome any volunteers or officials to join us then as well. Please contact Matt Lauer if you would like to volunteer and we will connect you with the organizers for that event. 

 Let the bowling games begin! This year’s Special Olympics St. Louis Metro Area Local Bowling Tournament went spinning into gear on Saturday, October 10. Hundreds of athletes lined the bowling lanes in alleys across the St. Charles and O’Fallon area to strike up one of the biggest tournaments yet to come. Athletes were eager to show their skills as they aimed for high scores for a chance to advance to the state bowling tournament in Joplin, MO on November 20-22.

 Special thanks go to our three local area bowling alleys: Harvest Lanes, Cave Springs Lanes, and St. Charles Lanes. This tournament could not have been possible without their great hospitality and top-notch facilities. Each staff worked hard all day to make sure the lanes were running smoothly and the athletes were equipped with everything they needed. 

 We also always want to thank our volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication. We are very thankful for all of our lane assistants, score keepers, and volunteers who presented the medals to our athletes; they all allowed the day to be a great success. The volunteers managed to stay organized and composed for what can some times be a very busy day. 

 Of course none of this would have been possible without the generous support of Area Competition Partners Shop 'n Save, 92.3 WIL, AEP River Operations and Harrah's St. Louis.