SOMO News
SOMO Scoop: August
Stay informed and inspired with this month’s updates in the August SOMO Scoop Newsletter!
Featured Sponsor
We know planning for the future can be overwhelming, especially for families supporting a loved one with special needs. That’s why we’re offering a free consultation exclusively for SOMO families—either in person at our Lee’s Summit office or via Zoom. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Lesa McMullin
From the CEO
“Research indicates that those who volunteer live longer. So if you want to change lives, including our athletes and your own, come join us by volunteering and be a part of the solution.”
– Larry Linthacum, President & CEO
Statewide
Team MO announcement for USA Games
We have officially announced who will be representing Missouri at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games! If you missed our live stream, click here to watch the video revealing the amazing athletes and team members who will be heading to Minneapolis in 2026.
State Pickleball Tournament: August 9
Join us for the State Pickleball Tournament on August 9 at the Columbia Sports Fieldhouse.
2nd Annual Driving Fore Inclusion Golf Tournament
Join us on September 4, 2025, at Redfield Golf Course in Eugene, MO for the 2nd Annual Driving Fore Inclusion Golf Tournament supporting Special Olympics Missouri athletes. Tee off is at 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy a day filled with fun, food, and friendly competition. Registration includes lunch, dinner, shirts, drinks, prizes, and mulligans.
RSVP by August 4 to Crystal at cschuster@somo.org or 573-469-7839.
SOMO At the State Fair
Join Special Olympics Missouri at the Missouri State Fair!
We’ll provide the post-its and pens, you provide the positive thoughts and gratitude! Come show your support and cover law enforcement and firefighter vehicles with handwritten notes of thanks and encouragement. Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and firemen/women from the Missouri State Fair Fire Department will have their vehicles and representatives in front of the MEC Building from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this day. This event is in partnership with the Missouri State Fair and FirstNet, built with AT&T.
To sign up to volunteer, click here.
SOMO App
It’s here! The official SOMO App will allow you to stay connected with all things Special Olympics Missouri! Get the latest updates, event schedules, athlete stories, and exclusive content—all in one place. Track your favorite teams, sign up for events, and never miss an important announcement.
Central Area
Murder Mystery: October 30
Tickets are on sale now for our thrilling Murder Mystery Night this October! Help solve the crime and enjoy an evening of fun while supporting SOMO. Don’t miss out—get your tickets today!
LETR Duck Splashdown
Purchase a duck to support our LETR Duck Splashdown! You could win 50% of the funds raised, with the rest going to support our athletes. A fun way to make a big splash for a great cause!
Softball Fundraiser on 8/9
Form a team and join us for a softball tournament in Columbia that benefits SOMO! Enjoy a great day of sports, teamwork, and fundraising to support our athletes.
Central Area Volunteer Opportunities
We still need volunteers to help at the State Fair and other Central Area events. It’s a great way to get involved, meet amazing people, and make a difference. CLICK HERE to get involved!
11th Annual Superhero Bocce Tournament
Join us for the 11th Annual Superhero Bocce Unified event on September 6, 2025, where community teams join Special Olympics Missouri athletes on the field! The cost is $120 per team, and each team member will receive a Superhero T-shirt. Register today! This event has proven to be a great experience for all involved.
Food, drinks, a silent auction, and a raffle will be available throughout the day. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., Opening Ceremony at 8:45 a.m., and tournament play begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Training for Life Campus in Jefferson City.
Please contact Carol Griffin at griffin@somo.org for more information or visit somo.org/superherobocce. Don’t miss your chance to be a hero on and off the bocce field!
Central Area Golf Tournament
The Central Area Golf Tournament tees off August 28 at LA Nickell Golf Course. Sign up to compete or come out to support an evening of golf and camaraderie for a cause.
Kansas City Metro Area
Check out the KC Metro Area’s new clubs!
Two exciting new opportunities are here for our Kansas City Metro community!
- SOMO Walking Club – KC Metro
Stay active and meet new friends by joining the SOMO Walking Club. This group meets every week for fitness, fun, and connection. All fitness levels are welcome! - Community Impact Club – KC Metro
Join the Community Impact Club and make a difference! Athletes come together to work on volunteer projects, kindness campaigns, and advocacy efforts that help spread inclusion and create positive change.
These clubs are a great way to connect, stay involved, and be part of something meaningful!
KC Metro/ North Area Golf
The KC Metro/North Area Golf Tournament will take place August 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fred Arbanas Golf Course. Team entries and physicals are due by July 16.
Jimmie’s Miles for Medals
Join us on August 16 for Jimmie’s Miles for Medals, a motorcycle ride benefiting KC Metro teams. Jimmie’s Miles for Medals Dice Run is a motorcycle ride benefiting Special Olympics KC Metro teams. This is a fundraiser ran by the Special Olympics Missouri Fan Clubs of Kansas City. These Fan Clubs go above and beyond to help support the teams by raising funds for new uniforms, new equipment, rental of practice space, transportation to and from competition and of course providing fans in the stands to cheer the athletes on! Click here to register!
North Area
North Area Bocce
Head to West Platte R-II School District on August 16 for a full day of fun at the North Area Bocce competition! Come cheer on the athletes or get involved as a volunteer.
KC Metro/ North Area Golf
Join us for the KC Metro/North Area Golf Tournament on August 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fred Arbanas Golf Course. Team entries and physicals are due by Wednesday, July 16. KC teams should send rosters to Meg Ward; North Area teams should send rosters to Mitch Curran.
Southeast Area
Tip-A-Cop Summary
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our Tip-A-Cop fundraisers! Your generosity helps raise critical funds and awareness for our SOMO athletes across the state.
Southwest Area
West Softball Regional: August 23
Head to the West Softball Regional on August 23 to cheer on our athletes as they show off their skills and sportsmanship on the field!
Southwest Area Bocce Ball
Mark your calendar for August 16 and head to Allison Sports Town for a great day of competition at the Southwest Area Bocce Ball event!
Southwest Area Soccer Clinic
Join us on August 12 at the Lake Country Soccer Indoor Facility for the Southwest Area Soccer Clinic! Sign up here or contact Jesse Williams at jwilliams@somo.org to be part of this fun and skill-building clinic.
Truck Convoy
The annual Truck Convoy benefiting Special Olympics Missouri rolls out September 27 from 4-State Trucks in Joplin. The event includes a Lead Truck Auction at 4:30 p.m., driver’s meeting, and scenic convoy ending at 26th & Maiden Lane.
Stick around for a free concert at 8 p.m. celebrating athletes and the trucking community.
Held in conjunction with the Guilty by Association Truck Show.
- Registration: $100 per truck
- On-site registration available Sept. 25–27
All proceeds support SOMO athletes.
Register or learn more: somo.org/convoy Questions? Contact Haley at blevins@somo.org.
Southwest Area Block Party
Celebrate inclusion and community at the Southwest Area Block Party on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Northeast Community Park in Springfield.
Enjoy live entertainment, food, games, and Special Olympics fun for all ages.
This free event is open to the public.
Learn more: somo.org/calendar/sw-block-party
2nd Annual Night of Champions Gala Recap
The 2nd Annual Night of Champions Gala, hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri, took place on Friday, July 18 and raised over $18,000 to support our athletes!
Click here to view the pictures: https://loom.ly/Y24m2NA
St. Louis Metro Area
2025 Guardian Games
The SOMO Guardian Games on October 4 bring together law enforcement, athletes, and community members for a day of teamwork, strength, and fun! Form a six-person team and compete in 10 exciting challenges—all to support our athletes. Do you have what it takes to be a Guardian? CLICK HERE.
St. Louis Metro Area Golf Tournament
Join us on August 11 for an afternoon of golf at the St. Louis Metro Area Golf Tournament! Volunteers are also needed—sign up to help at this link.
St. Louis Metro Area Tennis Tournament
Serve up some fun on August 15 at the St. Louis Metro Area Tennis Tournament at Clayton Shaw Park! Volunteers can register to help with this event at this link.
Stay in the know with SOMO by visiting our Area Pages below!