Donate to Special Olympics Iowa here!

The mission of Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities by 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 Iowa is a nonprofit organization serving Iowans with intellectual disabilities since 1968. SOIA serves athletes in each of Iowa's 99 counties, and provides training and competitions in 22 Olympic-type sports. In 2008, 11,350 athletes and Unified Sports Partners participated in SOIA events and competitions. SOIA makes a positive difference in the lives of our athletes, their families and communities with more than 15,000 individuals and 2,000 certified coaches who volunteer to participate in the programs. 

Students across Iowa and the U.S. were empowered to carry out Special Olympics' new youth-lead effort - Spread the Word to End the Word - 3.31.09, encouraging people to pledge to stop using the derogatory word “retard.” The day was devoted to educating and raising awareness about individuals with intellectual disabilities and the offensive use of the “R-word” in casual conversation.

Spread the Word to End the Word 3.31.09 was created by youth with and without intellectual disabilities who participated in the Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit in February held in conjunction with the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

The campaign generated interest across the state. Iowa Governor Chet Culver recognized the collaborative efforts that are engaging Special Olympics Iowa leaders and athletes, students, schools and communities across Iowa on 3.31.09 and beyond.

Students in schools across Iowa kicked off the campaign in many ways. At Western Dubuque High School in Epworth students educated classmates and staff about the derogatory use of the “R-word” both in and out of school.  A week of activities included posters, talking to classes, and a rally that coordinated with the Special Olympics track and field competition where they talked to the student body about how hurtful the “R-word” can be. 

Sioux City North High School students planned many activities for March 30-31. Linda Davenport-Kennedy, a teacher the school said, “The students are excited because this is a part of what they are all about – respecting others.”

In Mount Ayr, residents and staff from Ringgold County Supportive Services went to the elementary school on March 27 and shared special bookmarks with the K-3 students. The residents joined fourth and fifth graders in the afternoon for games and other activities.

To date, more than 42,000 people have pledged their support to end the use of the "R-word." To add your support, get involved or find out more information on Spread the Word to End the Word – 3.31.09, visit www.r-word.org. 

Students from Sioux City North High School who participated in the Spread the Word campaign.

Students at Western Dubuque High School in Epworth during the Spread the Word to End the Word rally.