SOMO News

Here’s a look back at all of the amazing Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) events from September 18-25, 2023!

Training for Life Campus Weekly Events and Classes: September 18-21

The Training for Life Campus has several reoccurring events to look out for! Check out our music classes, open gym and workout classes!

During our music class, groups may sing, play instruments or listen to music. They can also discuss the meaning of the lyrics. Open Gym sessions are from 1-3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays for open play. Our workout classes are designed especially for people with disabilities and is structured to make you feel better and have more energy with low-impact stretches.

Check out our calendar to see upcoming opportunities!

Mizzou Women’s Golf Tournament: Monday, September 18

SOMO played in the Mizzou women’s golf tournament at Old Hawthorne on Monday, Sept. 18. The Tigers had a fundraiser on hole No. 14 for SOMO, and it raised nearly $2,000!

Lee’s Summit Inclusion Revolution: Wednesday, September 20

Lee’s Summit North High School hosted its second Inclusion Revolution on Wednesday. It was so much fun partnering with them for this event!

UMKC Unified Flag Football: Wednesday, September 20

It’s week three of UMKC Unified Flag Football Intramurals! If you missed last week, this event will continue to take place on Wednesday evenings until October 4.

Click here to see details for this week!

Cape Independent Golf Team at Top Golf: Thursday, September 20

Last Thursday, the Southeast Area Cape Independent Golf Team had an outing to Top Golf. What a fun time for the team!

Young Athlete Program: Thursday, September 21

Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.

Grace speaking at Jefferson City Young Professionals Mid-MO Summit: Thursday, September 21

SOMO Program Assistant Grace Davis spoke at the Jefferson City Young Professionals Mid-MO Summit this past Thursday. This speaker-driven professional development and networking event was for area professionals. The program featured keynote presenters on professional and personal success, plus networking breakout sessions.

Genice Fisher SOMO Hall of Fame Surprise Announcement: Thursday, September 21

LongtimeCOLUMBIA – Longtime SOMO supporter Genice Fisher is headed to the SOMO Hall of Fame! She found out during a surprise announcement at Hickman High School on Thursday, Sept. 21.

“I’m speechless, and you have me crying!” Fisher said after the surprise!

Read more and see a video of the surprise here!

2023 ALPs Weekend: September 22-24

Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) hosted another successful Fall ALPs University Weekend, Sept. 22-24, 2023 at the Training for Life Campus. SOMO’s ALPs provide an opportunity for all of our athletes to pursue higher education. Throughout the weekend, 28 athletes had the chance to take classes and work toward a degree in their respective majors! Click here for more information on how to get involved with ALPs.

Read more about the weekend here!

World’s Largest Truck Convoy: Saturday, September 23

This year’s World’s Largest Truck Convoy dealt with some adversity, but in the end – it raised more than $115,000 for Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). This money will directly impact the SOMO athletes in the Southwest Area. The initial convoy scheduled for Saturday night was unfortunately canceled due to bad weather. However, the truckers came together to organize an alternate route for Sunday.

Click here to read more!

Chiefs Recycle Team: Sunday, September 24

For every Chiefs home game, we have 8-12 volunteers driving through the parking lots during tailgating to hand out recycling bags. This helps support our SOMO Athletes! Sign up for our next one here.

Chris Ringot SOMO Hall of Fame Surprise Announcement: Monday, September 25

Longtime SOMO athlete Chris Ringot is headed to the SOMO Hall of Fame. He found out during a surprise announcement while he was working at Children’s Mercy Kansas City Broadway on Monday, Sept. 25.

“When I walked through those doors, I was really surprised,” Ringot said after the surprise. “This is overwhelming, but I’m excited to be inducted into the Hall of Fame”

Read more about it here!

Healthy Hustle: Monday, September 25

Healthy Hustle is an 8-week program from 1:15-2:15 PM. Our goal is to meet the needs of each athlete, while within a group setting. SOMO will offer rewards for meeting attendance and specific health targets! For every 5 classes attended, athletes will have the opportunity to choose a reward from THE PRIZE BOX! View our upcoming events here. Hope to see you there! 

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