Special Olympics Iowa

Special Olympics Iowa's mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. Special Olympics believes that consistent training is essential to the development of sports skills, and that competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth. Special Olympics believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance. During the past year, approximately 14,000 Special Olympics athletes participated in year-round local, area and state events. Special Olympics Iowa sponsors bowling and volleyball in the Fall; ice skating, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, basketball, power lifting, gymnastics, and cheerleading in the Winter; swimming, track and field, cycling, tennis, bocce, roller skating and soccer in the Spring; golf, equestrian, and softball in the Summer. Our special programs include: Unified Sports?, Challenge Days, Young Athletes, Global Messengers, and Healthy Athletes. Special Olympics Iowa's vision is to increase public awareness, improve acceptance and empower individuals with intellectual disabilities. We commit to providing unlimited opportunities for all to be part of the emotional engagement that is Special Olympics Iowa.