SOMO News

Here’s a look back at all of the amazing Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) events from Dec. 8-11, 2022!

Lexington Local Basketball Tournament – Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

SOMO hosted a local basketball tournament at Lexington High School this past Thursday! Everyone had a great time!

Bartlett & West present check to SOMO – Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

Bartlett & West’s Jefferson City office for presented SOMO with a $3,000 BIG check on Thursday! SOMO is very thankful for their support!

Jefferson City Tip-A-Cop – Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

SOMO and local law enforcement held four Tip-A-Cop events in the Jefferson City area this past Thursday. Thank you so much to Colton’s Steak House, Big Whiskey’s, Longhorn Steakhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings for allowing us to raise money at your Jefferson City locations! In total, SOMO raised more than $3,500!

Christmas in the Park – Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

SOMO was happy to be a part of the Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake. This annual lights display is a holiday favorite in the Kansas City Metro Area!

Southwest Area Bowling at 4th Street Bowl – Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

The Southwest Area wrapped up its bowling season this weekend at 4th Street Bowl in Joplin.

“It’s been a fantastic season,” Southwest Area Program Director Jana Fornelli said. “I’d like to thank all of our athletes, Unified partners, coaches, law enforcement officers and volunteers for making all of our tournaments a success!”

Law Enforcement Torch Run Celebration Lunch and Drive it Home Raffle Giveaway – Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

SOMO hosted its 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Celebration Lunch at the Training for Life Campus on Friday, Dec. 9. During the event, SOMO honored several members of law enforcement. Most notably, Corporal Joe Peart was named the 2022 John Michael Letz award winner. This award is the highest honor given within the LETR for SOMO. 

Before the lunch, SOMO held the final drawing for the Drive it Home Raffle. Georgia Powell, from the Southwest Area, was the winner of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4.

Karen Garrison from Springfield was the winner of the 50/50 raffle.

Here’s a link to our full recap of the event.

Thank you so much to KRCG for the coverage!

Owensville Local Bowling Tournament – Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

SOMO hosted a local bowling tournament in Owensville at Thunder Alley this past Friday!

Francis Howell Local Basketball Tournament – Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022

SOMO hosted a local basketball tournament at Francis Howell High School this past Saturday. The tournament consisted of team skills, 3-on-3 play and 5-on-5 play. Shoutout to the Francis Howell boys and girls varsity and junior varsity basketball teams’ for volunteering at this event!

48 Hours of Basketball – Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022

SOMO had the opportunity to compete at the 48 Hours of Basketball Tournament at Greenwood Laboratory School in Springfield this past Saturday.

We also had the opportunity to help run the concession stand in order to raise money for our athletes!

“HUGE thank you to those who came out and helped run the concessions at the 48 Hours of Basketball Tournament this weekend,” Southwest Area Development Manager Haley Blevins said. “It was not possible without you all and I’m extremely grateful.”

Shoutout to the following people: Jeffery Fugett (Highway Patrol Troop D), Sarah Bachand, The Howerton Family, The Moore Family (Springfield Police Dept), Mindy Coiner Hesterly, Riley Hesterly (Athlete), Jeremy Tucker (Athlete), Justin Tucker (Athlete), Ally Hargis, Derek Noble (Knights of Columbus), The DeSha Family and The Schroff Family!

For a list of our upcoming events, please visit our calendar!