SOMO News

Here’s a look back at all of the amazing Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) events from March 28 – April 3, 2023!

Unified Intramural Basketball- Tuesday, March 28

A night of Unified Intramural Basketball took place at the Foster Recreation Center on the Missouri State University campus last Tuesday. Nice job to all the athletes that competed!

STL Metro SSD Bocce Unified (LEA Middle/HS)- Wednesday, March 29

This Bocce Unifed tournament was hosted by Special School District at Bocce Club. Great job to everyone who came out and participated!

Jersey Mikes Day of Giving- Wednesday, March 29

SOMO joined forces with 12 Jersey Mike’s Subs in Missouri for the 13^th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to support local charities. During the month of March, customers could make a donation to SOMO at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants.

The Month of Giving campaign culminated with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 29, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants gave 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to SOMO. On Day of Giving, local Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country donated their resources and every single dollar that came in to more than 200 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

Young Athlete Program- Wednesday, March 29

Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages two to seven. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and community members the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.

If you missed last week’s program, click here to check out upcoming opportunities!

KC Metro Pickleball Clinic- Wednesday, March 29

SOMO is hosting a FREE 6-Week Pickleball Clinic in collaboration with KC Parks & Rec!  The clinic emphasizes foundational skills and takes place Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m., March 22 to April 26.

2023 ALPs University Weekend at TLC- Friday, March 31- April 2

This past weekend was the 2023 Special Olympics Missouri’s Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs)! ALPs provides an opportunity for all of our athletes to pursue higher education. There are a variety of majors athlete leaders can choose to study to further their education. This year’s university weekend had classes on a variety of subjects including exercise science, finance, social media/blogging and leadership! Check out more information about 2023 ALPs University Weekend here!

Thank you @RustyDrewingGM for inviting our #SOMO ALPs students to meet @Chiefs standout Willie Gay! #SOMOUnity pic.twitter.com/JfDLt1G1Ia

— Special Olympics MO (@SOMissouri) April 1, 2023

KC Metro Young Athletes Program- Friday, March 31

This is a FREE 3-week Program for children with and without intellectual disabilities between the ages of 2-7.  Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills like running, kicking, and throwing.  The Young Athletes Program offers families, teachers, caregivers, and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.  For more information about the Young Athletes Program, please visit Young Athletes | Special Olympics Missouri (somo.org)

Our 3-week Program will occur on the following dates: March 31, April 7, and April 14. Each session will run from 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Click HERE to Register!

Mexico Inclusion Revolution – Friday, March 31

Mexico’s Inclusion Revolution impacted over 450 students from Mexico, Moberly, Centralia, Community R6, Wright City, and Madison. Over 23 stations were run by clubs from Mexico High School including their Student Council.  This amazing event also included Special Smiles Screenings and YAP.

“I have been a Special Olympics coach for many years and my favorite part is seeing the impact on athletes’ lives. Today’s event was designed not only for our athletes but also to promote inclusion for clubs and groups at Mexico to think about ways they can include athletes with IDD.”

Jessica Nunan, Mexico High School teacher and SOMO coach

Ladies Night Out Piccadilly Gala- Friday, March 31

SOMO hosted its annual Ladies’ Night Out Piccadilly on Friday at the St. Joseph Civic Arena. This year’s theme was Garden Party! The fundraiser featured a quarter auction, games, celebrity waiters and endless entertainment!  Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our SOMO athletes.

KC Metro Area Aquatics Meet- Saturday, April 1

This KC Metro Area Aquatics Meet took place at Henley Aquatic Center in Independence, MO this past Saturday. Nice job to all the athletes that participated!

STLM Area Powerlifting Meet- Saturday, April 1

Great job to all the athletes that competed in the St. Louis Metro Area Powerlifting Meet this past weekend!

Pattonville Local Swim Meet- Sunday, April 2

Pattonville High School hosted this swim meet last Sunday! Great job to all the athletes who participated.

North Area Young Athletes Program (Maryville, MO)- Monday, April 3

This is a FREE 4-week Program for children with and without intellectual disabilities between the ages of 2-7.  Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills like running, kicking, and throwing.  The Young Athletes Program offers families, teachers, caregivers, and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.  For more information about the Young Athletes Program, please visit Young Athletes | Special Olympics Missouri (somo.org).

Be sure to check out our SOMO calendar for all of our upcoming events! If you’d like to volunteer, visit our Volunteer Hub!