SOMO News
SOMO Scoop Newsletter: June
Stay informed and inspired with this month’s updates in the June SOMO Scoop Newsletter!
Featured Sponsor
From the CEO
“I am learning that it is not about me. Our board of directors, our staff, our financial partners, our coaches, our volunteers are all very important. But at the end of the day, it is about our athletes, and I realize this more and more each day! ”
– Larry Linthacum, President & CEO
Statewide
2025 State Summer Games Recap
From breaking personal records to dancing the night away, SOMO athletes truly embraced the spirit of the 2025 State Summer Games. The games were held May 30–June 1 in Kirksville. Nearly 1,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and Unified partners came together on the campus of Truman State University for a weekend full of competition, celebration, and community.
June Health & Fitness Program Updates
Train 4 Life is thriving all across Missouri, and now’s your chance to jump in and get moving! Whether you’re hitting the gym or sweating it out at home, there’s something for everyone.
Weekly in-person Strength & Conditioning sessions are happening in Ballwin, Wentzville, Columbia, Jefferson City, and Republic — just email Maci Arnold at arnold@somo.org to sign up! Prefer virtual? Join our free online Tuesday Fitness (5:30–6:30 PM) and Thursday Education (6:30–7:30 PM) sessions via Zoom, or crush an at-home workout anytime with no equipment needed.
Plus, don’t miss Healthy Hustle days in Jefferson City this June for extra energy and community spirit! Big shoutout to Lynna for completing the Mind + Movement Step Challenge — stay tuned for what’s next. Let’s Train 4 Life together!
Team Missouri USA Games Selection Camp
From Sunday, June 22, through Friday, June 27, Team Missouri will host its 2025 USA Games Selection Camp at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. This week-long camp brings together athletes and Unified partners who qualified by earning gold medals at designated state events. Campers will train, connect, and prepare to represent Missouri at the national level. To learn more about Team Missouri and the USA Games, visit somo.org/usagames.
Dunkin’ Cop on a Rooftop Recap
The 7th annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser brought in an incredible $18,739 on Friday, May 16, thanks to the dedication of law enforcement officers across 14 Dunkin’ locations in Missouri. Officers from the Southeast and St. Louis areas took to the rooftops to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Missouri. This fun and impactful event—part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run partnership with Dunkin’—has now raised over $102,000 in total since its launch.
Click here to read more about this year’s event and the officers who made it possible!
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.
Sign up now for the Summer Athlete Leadership Program!
We are excited to announce that our spring session has been moved to the summer! Join us for the 2025 Summer ALPs Weekend, June 27-29, at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, MO. This will be an incredible opportunity to engage in fun activities, make new friends, and explore new classes. Participants will stay on the Military Academy campus for the duration of the event. We look forward to seeing you there! Register for the 2025 Summer ALPs University here!
Here’s a recap of our last ALPs University weekend, September 27-29, 2024 at the Training for Life Campus in Jefferson City.
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!
Let’s Get Physical
LETR Let’s Get Physical is a 24 hour fitness challenge! This challenge can be completed solo or as a team of 2. Hosted by Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop I to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraising efforts for Special Olympics Missouri. Spots are limited, so sign up now!
SOMO Night with the Jefferson City Renegades
Join us on Friday, June 27 at Vivion Field in Jefferson City for SOMO Night with the Renegades. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and is a great opportunity to enjoy a summer evening of baseball while celebrating and supporting our Special Olympics Missouri athletes. We hope to see you at the ballpark!
Southwest & Central Area Softball Tournament
Get ready for a full day of softball competition on Saturday, July 12 at Nelson Hart Park in Lebanon. 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!
Kansas City Metro Area
Rescheduled: SOMO Day with the KC Panthers
Join us on Saturday, June 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. in Kansas City for a rescheduled SOMO Day with the KC Panthers. This special event is open to registered SOMO athletes of all ages and includes an afternoon of fun and flag football. Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon. For more details, please reach out to Meg Ward.
KC Area Pickleball Tournament
Join us on Saturday, June 28 for the KC Area Pickleball Tournament, running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event offers athletes a chance to compete and showcase their skills in one of SOMO’s fastest-growing sports. Team entries and physicals are due by Thursday, June 5. Volunteers are needed to help make this event a success—click HERE to sign up. For questions, please contact Meg Ward at ward@somo.org.
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.
KC Metro teams should direct all questions and entries to Meg Ward at ward@somo.org.
KC Sports Experience Recap
Our 3rd Annual KC Sports Experience was a huge success! We are so grateful to continue this event in collaboration with the Police Athletic League of Kansas City (PAL). This was a FREE 2-Day Sports Camp involving Soccer, Flag Football, Bocce, Volleyball, Pickleball, and Boxing Skills.
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.
North Area State Summer Game Athletes
Click here to view more photos from our State Summer Games last weekend!
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 Lebanon. 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!
Volunteer Coaches Needed!
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteer coaches to support our athletes during the upcoming outdoor sports season! Whether you have coaching experience or just a passion for helping others, we’ll provide the training and support you need to succeed. This is a great opportunity to build connections, develop leadership skills, and be part of something truly impactful. Join us in empowering athletes and changing lives—one game at a time! See the flyer below for more information!
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.
St. Louis Metro Area Pickleball Tournament
Join us for the St. Louis Metro Area Pickleball Tournament on Sunday, June 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arch Pickleball & Badminton. We’re looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. If you’re available for a morning or afternoon shift, sign up at somo.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/stlmetro. This will be a great opportunity to support our athletes and be part of a growing sport in the SOMO community.
Stay in the know with SOMO by visiting our Area Pages below!