SOMO News

Here’s a look back at all of the amazing Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) events from Jan. 9-15, 2023!

Tip-A-Cop – Tuesday, Jan. 10

Eight officers from the Maryville Treatment Center hosted a Tip-A-Cop at Pizza Ranch on Tuesday, Jan. 10. They helped clean tables from 5-8 p.m. Thank you to them for their dedication to SOMO athletes!

Cops on Top – Wednesday, Jan. 11

Officers from the Wentzville Police Department took to the roof of the Wentzville Chick-Fil-A on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  in order to raise funds for SOMO! They did an amazing job!

Kansas City Metro Floor Hockey Clinic – Wednesday, Jan. 11

The Kansas City Mavericks came to our floor hockey clinic on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Bernard Campbell Middle School. It was a great night!

SOMO Night at the Kansas City Mavericks game – Friday, Jan. 13

SOMO had a blast at the Kansas City Mavericks game on Friday, Jan. 13! The Mavericks selected SOMO as their community partner for January 2023. This included the team hosting a SOMO Night for our athletes! Great job to Rhys and Rhyan who had the chance to ride on the Zamboni. Nicole and Korey represented SOMO on center ice for the ceremonial puck drop. Also – shoutout to Shyanne Pyatt for doing the in-game interview! Overall, it was an unforgettable night.

Central Area Basketball Tournament – Saturday, Jan. 14

SOMO hosted its Central Area Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 14. This year’s event was held at the Training for Life Campus and Blair Oaks!

Westminster Halftime Showcase – Saturday, Jan. 14

The Westminster men’s and women’s basketball teams invited the Tipton Unified Cardinals to participate in an exhibition at both halftimes of their doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 14. The Tipton Unified Cardinals were able to bring both of their teams. They are currently gearing up for Special Olympics Missouri’s East Regional on Feb. 11. At the East Regional, both teams will have a chance to qualify for the State Indoor Games, March 24-26 in St. Charles, Mo.

“We are so thankful for our connection to Westminster and the dedication of its students and student-athletes to the Special Olympics Missouri mission.”

Fun fact: Tipton’s school board just voted last week to officially recognize Unified sports as a sports program at their school!

Thank you so much to KRCG-TV for the coverage!

North Area Basketball Tournament – Saturday, Jan. 14

For the first time in three years, the North Area held its North Area Basketball Tournament. More than 125 athletes participated in this outstanding event. The day started with an Opening Ceremony and a Parade of Athletes. SOMO Hall of Famer Tanner Hrenchir carried out the Flame of Hope! Great job by all!

Winter Party – Saturday, Jan. 14

About 90 SOMO athletes came out to the Training for Life Campus for a Winter Party on Saturday, Jan. 14 as a way to kickoff 2023 in style!

Lindenwood University Basketball Clinic – Sunday, Jan. 15

The Lindenwood women’s basketball team visited Wentzville’s Special Sports’ basketball practice on Sunday, Jan. 15. The women joined SOMO athletes for a few skills and drills in preparation for Wentzville’s halftime exhibition game during Lindenwood’s game on Thursday, Jan. 19. Lindenwood has graciously offered free tickets to that game to any SOMO athlete and their families. For more information on this, please reach out to Jocelyn Diehl!