SOMO News

North Area – The North Area held a Training 4 Life workout on Thursday at the B-Fit Training facility.

The session provided participants with an opportunity to take part in structured activities focused on personal development and overall well-being. Individuals participated in guided exercises and group activities designed to encourage engagement and learning in a supportive setting.

Hosting the session at the B-Fit Training facility allowed participants to use a space suited for organized activities. The environment supported participation, interaction, and the development of practical skills through structured programming.

Overall, the session offered a positive opportunity for participants to stay involved, work on personal growth, and take part in a planned group activity.

Kansas City Area – It was an exciting and impactful week across the KC metro!

The Lee’s Summit Legends Soccer Team kicked off a brand-new season on March 7, welcoming athletes of all experience levels to get on the field, build skills, and have fun together in Lee’s Summit.

We also shared some big news: Registration is officially open for 2026 Sporting Kansas City Unified Soccer Team tryouts! This incredible opportunity is open to athletes and unified partners ages 16–25, with tryouts scheduled for April 26 at UMKC.

Celebrations continued as Blue Springs High School was announced as our Spread the Word Campaign winner with their banner, thank you to all the schools and students who participated and voted.

While KC athletes, family members, coaches, and staff were at the Missouri Capitol advocating during SOMO Day at the MO Capitol on March 4.

We also cheered on the KC Squad, who brought home Best in Show at the Missouri State Dance Team Championships—an amazing accomplishment!

It was a week full of competition, advocacy, and celebration, and we’re so proud of our athletes, partners, schools, and supporters for continuing to make SOMO shine.

Statewide – Special Olympics Missouri made history last week at our first-ever Local Capitol Hill Day!

On March 4, 2026, athletes, Unified partners, coaches, parents, board members, and SOMO staff traveled to the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City to advocate for inclusion and opportunity. 💙

Together, our team held more than 140 meetings with state representatives and legislators, sharing powerful stories about the impact of Special Olympics Missouri and why continued support for our athletes matters.

Our athletes led the way—showing what leadership, courage, and inclusion look like in action.

Thank you to everyone who used their voice to help build a more inclusive Missouri.

Southwest Area – Our Springfield Polar Plunge was full of unforgettable highlights this year! We celebrated our first-ever All-Athlete Plunge Team, featuring seven athletes joined by two coaches and a parent, welcomed 140 plungers (including three incredible Super Plungers who plunged 24 times in 24 hours), and raised over $51,000 to support local athletes. The fun continued with creative costumes, 33 participants in our first annual Polar Bear Strut 5K, and even a first-time plunge from Representative Melanie Stinnett, making it a truly memorable event for everyone involved.