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Special Olympics Iowa honored its Outstanding Athlete, Coach and Family of the Year award winners during the Summer Games Opening Ceremony presented by Hy-Vee May 21 at Iowa State University’s Hilton Coliseum. The Scott Bryant Unsung Hero Award was also presented to recognize an individual dedicated to the Law Enforcement Torch Run program.

Outstanding Athlete of the Year
Danny McDonald (Glenwood)
Danny McDonald has been in Special Olympics for more than 30 years, competing in bowling, bocce, track and Challenge Days. He had the opportunity to compete at the 2006 National Games in Ames when our Challenge Day was showcased for three days to people from all over the United States. It was nothing but pure fun for this athlete, making new friends and competing with athletes from all over the country, playing basketball and volleyball. Danny is one of the friendliest, kindest and most loving people you will ever meet. He is always ready to shake your hand after he competes. It doesn’t matter if he gets first or last place; to him, he is a winner because he gets to participate.

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Mark Robinson, Lisa Spencer and Patrick Gulbranson are part of the Iowa delegation of Special Olympics USA.

Special Olympics Iowa bowlers Patrick Gulbranson (Stuart) and Lisa Spencer (Ankeny), along with aquatics coach Mark Robinson (Cedar Rapids), have been named to Special Olympics Team USA and will represent the United States at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, Calif., July 25-Aug. 2.

Gulbranson and Spencer each earned a gold medal at the 2013 Special Olympics Iowa State Bowling Tournament, qualifying them to apply for a spot on Special Olympics Team USA Bowling. They are among a 491-member delegation representing the United States in competition in 17 sports.

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There are many levels to Unified Sports.  Special Olympics Iowa Unified Golf follows the guidelines for Unified Development: paring up athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) with partners (golfers without intellectual disabilities) who are more knowledgeable about the sport to compete in a team environment.

Special Olympics Iowa athletes and law enforcement officials are being showcased on the 44-ounce cups at Casey’s General Stores throughout the state. The cups will be available in stores from Memorial Day through Labor Day with a portion of the proceeds from each Casey’s Cup sold going to SOIA.

Casey’s and Special Olympics Iowa are also challenging customers to take photos of themselves with the cups, and each week, a winner will be chosen to receive a free Casey’s pizza. A grand-prize winner will be chosen at the end of …

Special Olympics Iowa and Jordan Creek Town Center announced a new partnership that will bring the Des Moines area Polar Plunge to Jordan Creek Town Center on Saturday, November 7, 2015. The Polar Plunge is a signature fundraiser for Special Olympics and offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support Special Olympics Iowa athletes by plunging into frigid waters.

“We are excited to be able to partner with Jordan Creek Town Center and see this great event unite our surrounding communities, and the families who live within them, for a day of fun,” said Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO Gary Harms.  “The location and amenities are a perfect combination to give our plungers, fans, families and Special Olympics athletes a fantastic experience while braving icy waters to support individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

The Polar Plunge will take place at Jordan Creek Town Center with festivities beginning at noon. Plungers, fans, families and athletes will witness the fun in the freezing waters while enjoying a wide variety of family-friendly activities.

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