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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 for 40 years. SOIA provides training and competitions in 22 sports for more than 13,000 athletes representing each of Iowa’s 99 counties. SOIA makes a positive difference in the lives of athletes, their families and communities with more than 15,000 individuals and 2,000 certified coaches who volunteer to participate in the programs.

Approximately 2,800 Special Olympics Iowa athletes from across the state participated in the Special Olympics Iowa State Summer Games May 22-24 on the Iowa State University campus. Athletes of all ages and ability had the opportunity to participate in various sports and activities including: aquatics (swimming), athletics (track & field), bocce, cycling, developmental sports, soccer skills, 7-on-7 team soccer and tennis. More than 1,200 coaches and chaperones as well as 2,000 volunteers donated their time to make this event a success.

This year, 2008, marks an amazing milestone — the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the first Special Olympics event. Illinois hosted the history-making event of this amazing global movement when the first Games were held at Soldier Field.