SOMO News
SOMO Scoop: July
Stay informed and inspired with this month’s updates in the July SOMO Scoop Newsletter!
Featured Sponsor
From the CEO
“My dad always told me growing up, ‘Focus on what you can control and don’t worry about what you can’t control.’
It is a great reminder for me, and I need to do a better job of doing this. 😊”
– Larry Linthacum, President & CEO
Statewide
Statewide Tip-A-Cop Week
Statewide Tip a Cop week is coming up July 13-18! The Tip-A-Cop event, a longstanding tradition, brings together law enforcement officers and restaurant staff to serve meals and interact with diners, all while collecting donations for SOMO.
July Health & Fitness Program Updates
This month, we’re kicking off the Fruits & Veggies Challenge, led by Health Messenger Allen Tobin! Open to all athletes, this challenge is a fun and simple way to fuel your body—whether you’re preparing for the 2026 USA Games or just building healthy habits. It’s all about boosting energy, performance, and overall wellness. Click here for full details and to join the challenge!
Plus, our Train for Life programming continues throughout July. Be sure to check out the calendar for upcoming sessions and activities.
Selection Camp Recap
The 2025 Team Missouri Selection Camp wrapped up an incredible week of training, team building, and determination at the Missouri Military Academy. Athletes, Unified partners, and coaches came together to showcase their skills in hopes of earning a spot on Team MO Magic for the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis. We’re so proud of everyone who gave it their all! The road to 2026 is officially underway!
Click here to view photos from selection camp week!
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.
State Pickleball Tournament: August 9
Join us for the State Pickleball Tournament on August 9 at the Columbia Sports Fieldhouse.
Volunteers needed. Click here to register.
Central Area
Sponsor an athlete!
For just $25, you can sponsor a Special Olympics Missouri athlete for an entire year of training, competition, and community. Make a difference today. Empower inclusion, confidence, and joy through sport! Click here!
1st Let’s Get Physical Challenge Recap
Congrats to Region 6 for putting on their 1st Let’s Get Physical Challenge. They did cardio for 24 hours to support Special Olympics MO. They raised over $2,000!
Softball Fundraiser on 8/9
Please consider participating in the Softball Fundraiser on 8/9! Check out details below!
Southwest & Central Area Softball Tournament
Get ready for a full day of softball competition on Saturday, July 12 at Nelson Hart Park in St. James. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., athletes from the Southwest and Central Areas will compete in an exciting tournament filled with teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. Come cheer on our athletes and enjoy the action!
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.
Kansas City Metro Area
KC Metro/ North Area Softball
The KC Metro and North Area Softball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams must submit entries and updated physicals by Thursday, June 19. Volunteers are also needed for this exciting day—click HERE to get involved.
KC Metro teams should direct all questions and entries to Meg Ward at ward@somo.org.
KC Metro Area Tennis Clinic
Interested in learning more about the amazing sport of Tennis? Join us on July 24 for a SOMO KC Metro Area Tennis Clinic hosted by United States Tennis Association Heart of America! Click HERE to Register!
KC Area Bocce
Mark your calendars for the KC Area Bocce event on August 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at APEX Sports Hub.
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
KC Metro and North Area Softball Tournament
The KC Metro and North Area Softball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams must submit entries and updated physicals by Thursday, June 19. Volunteers are also needed for this exciting day—click HERE to get involved.
North Area teams should contact Mitch Curran at curran@somo.org.
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
Southeast and St. Louis Metro Area Softball Tournament
The Southeast and St. Louis Metro Area Softball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coaches are reminded that rosters must be submitted to their respective area offices by the end of business on Monday, June 23. This tournament will be a great day of competition and camaraderie among athletes from across both areas.
Southwest Area
Southwest & Central Area Softball Tournament
Get ready for a full day of softball competition on Saturday, July 12 at Nelson Hart Park in St. James. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., athletes from the Southwest and Central Areas will compete in an exciting tournament filled with teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. Come cheer on our athletes and enjoy the action!
Southwest Area Golf Tournament
Tee off with us at the Southwest Area Golf Tournament on July 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carthage Municipal Golf Course.
Southwest Area Flag Football
The Southwest Area Flag Football event will take place August 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Houston High School. Come out and cheer on the athletes!
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
Mark your calendar for Friday, July 18 and join us in Southwest Missouri for the 2nd Annual Night of Champions Gala hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri. This elegant evening will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include dinner, live music, athlete-led games, a silent auction, and stories that celebrate SOMO’s impact. All proceeds benefit Southwest Area athletes and programming. Cocktail attire is recommended. For sponsorship or auction information, contact Haley Blevins at blevins@somo.org.
St. Louis Metro Area
Southeast and St. Louis Metro Area Softball Tournament
The Southeast and St. Louis Metro Area Softball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coaches are reminded that rosters must be submitted to their respective area offices by the end of business on Monday, June 23. This tournament will be a great day of competition and camaraderie among athletes from across both areas.
Stay in the know with SOMO by visiting our Area Pages below!