SOMO News
SOMO Scoop Newsletter: May
Stay informed and inspired with this month’s updates in the May SOMO Scoop Newsletter!
Featured Sponsor
From the CEO
“As we prepare for the Summer Games, which start at the end of May, I am excited about connecting with Kirksville and the Northeast MO community as we work together to build confidence in our Missouri athletes. LET’S GO!!!”
– Larry Linthacum, President & CEO
Statewide
2025 State Summer Games
The countdown to the 2025 State Summer Games is on! The 2025 State Summer Games will be held from May 30 to June 1, 2025, in Kirksville, MO, at Truman State University. The event will feature four exciting sports: Athletics, Powerlifting, Swimming, and Volleyball. Healthy Athletes will be available at the event, offering free health screenings to all athletes. You do not need to be competing at the State Summer Games to receive these screenings.
For more information, check out the details on volunteering and sponsorships: Volunteer Info and Sponsorship Info. The Coach Handbook will be available soon.
Stay up to date with all event details by downloading our mobile app: SOMO App. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event!
Dunkin’ Cop on a Rooftop: Friday, May 16
Cops, Coffee, and a Cause: Cop on a Rooftop is Back! On Friday, May 16, law enforcement officers across Missouri will once again take to the rooftops of Dunkin’ locations for the 7th Annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). From 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., officers will be stationed on rooftops, in parking lots, and at drive-thrus at nine Dunkin’ locations across the state, all to raise awareness and funds for SOMO athletes. This unique and uplifting event brings communities together in support of inclusion, determination, and athletic achievement.
Over the past six years, Cop on a Rooftop has raised more than $84,000 for SOMO, and this year we’re aiming to go even higher—literally and figuratively! Whether you’re stopping in for your morning coffee, grabbing a donut for the office, or just want to support an amazing cause, every dollar makes a difference in the lives of our athletes.
Locations:
- Arnold- 900 Jeffco Blvd
- Ballwin – 14924 Manchester Rd
- Bridgeton – 12121 St. Charles Rock Rd.
- Cape Girardeau – 1001 N Kingshighway
- Festus- 1304 Veterans Boulevard
- O’Fallon- 1220 Highway K
- O’Fallon – 4009 Highway K
- Overland- 10250 Page Ave
- Saint Charles- 1211 S 5th St
- St. Louis – 4220 Telegraph Rd
- St. Louis – 9860 Manchester Rd
- Saint Peters- 7343 Mexico Rd
- Twin Oaks- 1410 Big Bend Road
- Washington – 903 Don Ave.
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
Jefferson City Pickleball Club Fundraiser
The Jefferson City Pickleball Club is hosting their annual fundraiser that supports Special Olympics MO. If anyone is interested in joining Alex Jones for Opening Ceremonies on Saturday 5/31 at 8 am, that would be great! Anyone is welcome to enter the competition if you are free that weekend!
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!
Kansas City Metro Area
Liberty School District “Sophie Fazel Track Invitational”
The Sophie Fazel Track Invitational will take place on Friday, May 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This track meet is specially designed for Northland Schools and celebrates the spirit of inclusion through sport. For more information, please contact Ken Lenger.
KC Local Track Meet
On Friday, May 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., school-aged athletes (ages 21 and under) will compete in the KC Local Track Meet. This full-day event brings athletes together for a day of sports, fun, and community. Rosters are due by April 17. Volunteers are also needed—if you’re interested in helping out, click the link to sign up. For questions, please contact Meg Ward.
SOMO Day with KC Panthers
The KC Panthers Minor League Football Team is proud to host SOMO athletes at their game against the ECMO Eagles on Saturday, May 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. SOMO athletes will help with the coin toss, locker room motivation, halftime show, and interviews. Each athlete will receive a player jersey and a custom SOMO t-shirt. This event is open to SOMO athletes of all ages, but all participants must be registered with Special Olympics Missouri. Click here to learn more. For questions, please reach out to Meg Ward.
KC Sports Experience
Join us June 6–7 for the 3rd Annual KC Sports Experience, hosted in collaboration with the Police Athletic League of Kansas City (PAL). This free two-day sports camp includes activities such as soccer, flag football, bocce, volleyball, pickleball, and boxing skills. All participants must be registered with Special Olympics Missouri and must attend both days to take part. Spots are limited, so register soon to secure your place. Volunteers are also needed—click the link if you’re interested in helping out!
North Area
East Buchanan Track Meet Recap
Great job to all the athletes who participated in the East Buchanan track meet! The track season has been great in the north area and we are looking forward to more upcoming meetings. Check out some pictures from this meet below.
WRDCC Golf Tournament: May 8
Join the North Area for a fun-filled day on the green at the WRDCC Golf Tournament on May 8, supporting Special Olympics Missouri athletes!
Parties on Parkway: May 8
Celebrate community and connection at Parties on Parkway on May 8—stop by our SOMO table to learn how you can get involved!
Maryville/Troop H/Savannah/St. Joseph Torch Run: May 20
Cheer on local law enforcement and community members as they carry the Flame of Hope through Maryville, Savannah, and St. Joseph on May 20!
Chillicothe/Gallatin/Cameron Torch Run: May 22
Support our athletes and local heroes during the Torch Run through Chillicothe, Gallatin, and Cameron on May 22!
St. Joseph Ladies Night Out Piccadilly Recap
Our 12th Annual Ladies Night Out, Scoot Bootin’ Boogie was held on Friday, April 25th, we raised $39,000 for the Athletes in the North Area. We had 350 ladies in attendance. Like to say thank you to the community, volunteers that pulled together to make this event a successful one. We gave away over $18,000 in prizes throughout the night with jewelry, purses, wine, GC, trips and a She Shed. Winner of the She Shed was Kathy Lowry. Look for more information for our 13th Annual Hawaiian Style Ladies Night in April of 2026.
Southeast Area
Southeast Missouri State University Polar Plunge
The Southeast Missouri State University Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 22 in Cape Girardeau was a huge success! Students, staff, and community members came together on campus to brave the cold and raise vital funds for Special Olympics Missouri—proving once again that a little chill goes a long way in supporting an incredible cause.
Southwest Area
Area Track Meet at Webb City High School has been rescheduled
The Area Track Meet at Webb City High School has been rescheduled for Friday, May 9! We can’t wait to see our athletes hit the track and showcase their skills—mark your calendars and join us for a great day of competition and community.
Southwest Area Swim Meet: May 10
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of competition at the Southwest Area Swim Meet. Lunch and team check-in will take place from 12:00–1:00 PM, followed by warm-ups, opening ceremonies, and then event kick-off at 1:45 PM. Come support our athletes as they compete in a series of exciting swimming events.
Southwest Area Pickleball Clinic
Get ready to learn and play at our Southwest Area Pickleball Clinic from 9:30–11:30 AM on May 14. This clinic is open to all skill levels with three divisions: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Whether you’re trying it out for the first time or looking to improve your game, this event is for you.
Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/SpecialOlympicsMO/sw-area-pickleball
1st Annual Knights of Columbus Celebrity Pro-Am
Join us from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the 1st Annual Knights of Columbus Celebrity Pro-Am, a four-person golf scramble benefiting Special Olympics Missouri. Registration begins at 8:00 AM, followed by a celebrity auction at 8:45 AM and a shotgun start at 9:00 AM, with lunch and awards to follow at 1:00 PM. Teams of four will be joined by a celebrity as their fifth player—register as an individual for $125 or as a foursome for $400.
SOMO’s Southwest Area Block Party
From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, come celebrate at the first-ever Southwest Area Block Party, hosted in partnership with Northeast Community Park. This free, inclusive community event features Unified Sports, SOMO Athlete Leaders, local resources for families, food, music, games, and more. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to Special Olympics Missouri, there’s something for everyone—bring a friend and join the fun!
St. Louis Metro Area
St. Louis Metro Area Powerlifting Meet
Join us on May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the St. Louis Metro Area Powerlifting Meet! This exciting event brings together athletes to showcase their strength, determination, and hard work. Come cheer them on and help us celebrate their achievements in a supportive and high-energy environment.
Give STL Day
Give STL Day is coming up on May 8! This is a powerful opportunity to support Special Olympics Missouri and make a real difference in the lives of our athletes. Every donation counts, and we encourage you to share our donation link with your friends and family to help us spread the word: https://www.givestlday.org/organization/Special-Olympics-Missouri. Let’s come together and show what our community can do!
St. Louis Metro Area Torch Run
Join us for the St. Louis Metro Area Torch Run, a powerful tradition supporting Special Olympics Missouri! Our Torch Run routes kick off May 21 and continue through May 29 across various counties. Highlights include the “Jeff Ottenad Route” on May 22 with a special ceremony at Ameristar Casino starting at 8:00 a.m., followed by the run at 8:30 a.m. Additional routes include Jefferson County (May 21), US 67 North from Madison County to Jefferson County (May 21), Warren County (May 23), Franklin County (May 23), North St. Louis County at Schnucks Buzz Westfall Center (May 27), St. Louis City/Central County at SLMPD South Patrol (May 28), Bowling Green (May 29), and the Route 66 J.P. Smith Memorial Run (May 29). Let’s hit the road and carry the Flame of Hope across our communities!
Stay in the know with SOMO by visiting our Area Pages below!