SOMO News
SOMO Sum ups Jan. 27th – Feb. 2nd
Southwest Area – This past Saturday, Jan. 31st, we were proud to host the 2026 Southwest Area Basketball Tournament in Nevada, MO! Incredible athletes, great competition, and an even better day on the court.
North Area – North Area started an in-school YAP program last Wednesday at Mark Twain Early Learning Center. We also Started Fit4Life on Thursday at BFit. Athlete from the North Area Charlie Phillips is starting a walking club tomorrow at East Hills Mall.
We would like to say Congratulations to Jared Niemeyer on his induction into Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield on Sunday.
Central Area – Last week was jam packed with great events! On Tuesday January 27th, we hosted our 1st Polar Plunge at State Tech in Linn, MO. Students and Faculty raised over $6,000 for Special Olympics Missouri! This event was so amazing, and we can’t wait to return next year! On Friday January 30th, we attended the Snowball Shootout at Lexington High School! This Unified Basketball Tournament started with an amazing opening ceremony. The athletes did a great job competing in both team skills and 3×3 basketball. We even ended up with a 3-way tie in one division! It was a great way to end the week!
St. Louis Metro Area – St. Louis Metro and Southeast Area teams came together on Saturday for our annual Area Basketball Tournament in the Wentzville School District and we saw some amazing matchups!
Thank you to volunteer groups from the Wentzville School District, St. Louis City SC Developmental Program and the St. Charles County community and law enforcement – we heard multiple times that they get back more than they give! Thank you to our clinicians for Special Smiles and Funfitness for hosting Healthy Athletes stations this weekend, and to the Morning Star and Way Church communities for packing and delivering athlete lunches!
Congratulations to Unified Partner and Volunteer Linda Tyler from the St. Louis area on her induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame this past Sunday in Springfield!
Kansas City Metro Area – Coming up: MOVIE & GAME NIGHT ALERT!
We’re hosting a SOMO KC Metro Clubs Movie & Game Night and it’s going to be ALL about fun, friends, and game-time energy! All athletes welcome!
Feb 27, 2026
4:00–8:00 PM
Movie time
Board games
Snacks
Community vibes
9237 Ward Parkway, Suite 305
Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: 816.535.9610
Game donation ask:
Have board games collecting dust at home? We’re looking for game donations to use during the event and for future club nights. Drop them off or bring them with you — every game helps!
Scan the QR code to join us and let’s make it a night to remember!
Congratulations to Kansas City Area Coach Dianna Neihouse for being inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield this past Sunday!
Southeast Area – You still have time to register for the Cape Girardeau Polar Plunge THIS SATURDAY! It’s going to be a great day Freezin’ for a Reason in support of our Special Olympics Missouri athletes!! Come out and have a wonderful time!!