ANNUAL REPORT

2021 SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI

HEADQUARTERS
573-635-1660

5
305 Special Olympics Dr.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
CENTRAL AREA
573-635-1660
305 Special Olympics Dr.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
KC METRO AREA
816-535-9610
9150 E. 41st Ter., Ste. 213
Kansas City, MO 64133
NORTH AREA
816-233-6232
702 S. Woodbine Rd.
St. Joseph, MO 64507
SOUTHEAST AREA
573-339-6733
1625 N. Kingshighway
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
MISSION
SOUTHWEST AREA
417-624-5505
P.O. Box 140 Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for
Duenweg, MO 64841 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.
ST. LOUIS METRO AREA
314-961-7755
2945 S. Brentwood Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63144
 L ETTER FROM SOMO LEADERSHIP
Our 50th anniversary has come and gone, and Special Olympics Missouri could not be in a better position to
attack the second half of our first century as an organization.

In the time I’ve been interim CEO, I’ve seen tremendous growth throughout SOMO.

As we approach the three-year anniversary of the Jefferson City tornado, I’m reminded how much this organi-
zation has been through. The tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic provided many challenges, but we’ve come
out stronger on the other end.

It’s so exciting to see our events look “normal” again. Our state-of-the-art Training for Life Campus is finally
able to be fully utilized, and I look forward to seeing more and more smiling faces around the campus in the
Interim SOMO President & CEO Jeff Buker coming years.

I’m thrilled to have our State Summer Games back as a three-day event for the first time since 2018. It is the
perfect opportunity to showcase our athletes, coaches, volunteers and unified partners.

At the beginning of June, our Team Missouri contingent will head to Orlando, Fla. for the USA Games. We’ll have more than 120 delegates repre-
senting our state, including almost 80 athletes. Team Missouri will compete in basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, powerlifting, softball, swimming,
tennis and track & field. Here’s one of my favorite stats - 67% percent of Team Missouri is making its first ever trip to the USA Games.

We look forward to a summer full of fundraising as well. We’ll be hosting our second annual Night with Andy Reid event at Arrowhead Stadium
on June 9. This will kickoff a tremendous effort from our development team to continue to take SOMO to new heights.

2022 is already off to a great start. Our Polar Plunges were very successful thanks to the unwavering efforts from our staff, volunteers and do-
nors. We look forward to building on our impressive marks next year!

As I look back on my time at SOMO, I could not be more thankful to be a part of such an incredible organization. I want to thank each and every
member of our staff for their dedication through this transition period. I could not be more optimistic about the future of Special Olympics
Missouri under the new leadership of Dr. Larry Linthacum. I know he will continue to lead SOMO forward and create even more opportunities for
people with intellectual disabilities across the state.
Cathy Bumb Jeff Buker
2021 Chairman Interim President
Board of Directors & CEO

06 June 2022
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4
USA Games
Send-off
USA Games

5 6 7 8 9 10 11
USA Games
USA Games USA Games USA Games USA Games USA Games USA Games
2nd Annual
Evening with
Andy Reid

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

North Area
Parkway Run

19 20 21 22 23 24 25
KC Metro Area
Pickleball
Tournament

26 27 28 29 30

Sports Camp Sports Camp Sports Camp Sports Camp Sports Camp
 Funding Sources — $4,667,640
Transfer from Affiliate*: $140,000
Items Released: $103,742
Contributed Services: $549,394
Special Events: $1,696,470
F INANCIALS
Grants & Trusts: $542,113
Direct Marketing: $271,201
Sponsorships: $321,918
Investment Income: $57,999
Funding Uses — $4,262,506
Program Services: $3,337,461
Fundraising: $659,350
Management: $265,695

Contributions: $539,124 Other Income: $445,679 Audited fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2021
Financial statement audited by WIPFLI LLC
* Transfer from SEF to cover TLC expenses, including construction.
Complete financials available upon request
Grants and Trusts 12%
Management 6%
Sponsorships 7%

Direct Marketing
6% Other Income 9%
Fundraising 16%

Contributions
Special Events 12%
36% Investment
Income 1% Program Services
Items Released 2% 78%
Transfers from
SOMO Endowment
Fund 3%
Contributed
Services
12%

Liabilities & Net Assets — $19,734,006

Assets — $19,734,066
Cash/Cash Equivalents: $3,536,293
Investments: $0
Pledges Receivable Current: $157,102
Prepaid Expenses: $112,600
Inventory: $13,001
Total Current Assets: $3,818,996
Accounts Payable: $24,611
Fixed Assets: $15,915,070 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt:
$0
Due from SEF: $0 Accrued Vacation: $50,435
Accrued Expenses: $0
Agency Liabilities: $157,530
Due to SEF: $0
Total Current Liabilities: $232,576
Long-Term Liabilities: $0
Total Liabilities: $232,576
Without Donor Restriction Assets:
$18,562,541
With Donor Restriction Assets:
$938,949
Total Net Assets: $19,501,490

07 July 2022
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2
Sports Camp

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 KC/ North Area

KC Metro Area SOMO Night Softball
Tournament
Summer Softball with the
Clinic Mustangs Southeast/St.
Louis Metro Area
Softball
Tournament
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coaches
Recognition

17 18 19 20 21 KC Metro Area 22 23
Tennis
Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide
Tournament
Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop
Statewide
Tip-A-Cop
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 KC/ North Flag
Football Area
Tournament

Tom Smith, Jr.

Memorial Golf
Tournament

31
 B Y THE NUMBERS

770 6 10,114 1,066

11,560 Registered and
certified coaches
6 statewide partners in 2021
Active volunteers statewide
Total number of free
health screenings of
Gifts made online

51
(SOMO.org/Donate) our athletes through
Healthy Athletes®

78
Percentage of each dollar
raised that goes directly
10,003 Years Special Olympics
Missouri has been
incorporated

478 toward program services

Local Special Olympics
1,681
programs and teams
Polar Plunge participants
at 11 locations
(SOMO.org/Plunge)
$1.4 M
Athletes statewide
132
(includes Unified Partners®, Total Law Enforcement
Young Athletes and Torch Run® funds raised
(SOMO.org/LETR)
Challenge Day participants)
Trained Athlete-Leaders
(SOMO.org/ALPs)

08 August 2022
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6

KC/ North Area Golf East Regional Softball

Tournament

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Southwest Area Golf North/Kansas City

Metro Area Bocce

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Cop on a Rooftop Jimmie’s Miles for

Medals Dice Run
(Dunkin’)

21 22 23 24 25 26 27
West Regional
Softball
Schnucks LETR Days
Schnucks LETR Days

LETR Flame of Hope

Poker Run
28 29 30 31

Schnucks LETR Days

Athlete Leadership (ALPs)
P ROGRAMS WE OFFER

Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs) provides an opportunity for athletes who wish to
further develop both personally and professionally through continued education. ALPs plays
an integral role in Special Olympics Missouri, as it provides opportunities for our athletes and
participants to extend their growth beyond the field of competition.
Our ALPs program empowers our SOMO athletes to develop life skills and job readiness
to enter the workforce with confidence as key contributing members of local businesses.
Our athletes often say that their participation in our ALPs program inspires them to stretch
themselves outside of their comfort zones through education, as well as an increasing
sense of independence. Many become respected leaders and their capacity to be effective
spokespeople in their communities.
“My name is Lynna Hodgson and I have been a Special Olympics
Missouri athlete for 12 years. I majored in Communication and
Technology in the ALPs program with SOMO in 2019. In taking
these classes, I find myself more independent and confident
in my everyday life. I wanted to go to college like others, but I
always thought I couldn’t go because I wasn’t “smart enough” but
now I know I’m plenty smart enough! Without ALPs, I wouldn’t be
the person I am today. In fact, I’m working for Special Olympics
Missouri as an ALP’s assistant. It was always my dream job to
work for SOMO, and now I do, and I love it!”
--SOMO Staff Member & ALPs Co-Instructor

Throughout Special Olympics Missouri, athlete-leaders take on roles and responsibilities

from many different ALPs initiatives. They can work as employees of SOMO, speak on behalf
of SOMO, serve as coaches and volunteers, officiate competitions, tell our athletes’ stories
through technology, represent other athletes and leaders as part of the SOMO Input Council
and much more.

ALPs truly is a program for every single one of our athletes. SOMO is committed to making
sure every athlete feels welcome in this educational setting that is both rigorous and fulfilling.
It is important for potential athlete-leaders to recognize that this program will stretch them in
a good way. With high expectations, there is a requirement for participants to attend classes,
be attentive and engaged, and complete homework for every class. It is challenging work, and
we know that our SOMO athletes are up for the test.

Over the past few years, we have found that we can successfully offer some of our
ALPs university courses virtually, which makes for more flexibility in program delivery and
“ALPs helps our athletes develop their skills and value
convenience for our athletes. Our plans for the future of Athlete Leadership are to begin
as individuals. The athletes in the ALPs program are
expanding our opportunities for meaningful leadership roles that can help to create a truly
individuals with abilities, who are eager to learn and become
inclusive environment. This includes creating a statewide Athlete Leadership Council which
contributing participants in society, not just spectators. They
will give our athletes a platform in which they can share their ideas and be a part of leading
are not only eager to learn, they are able to learn. And given
the policies and programs that SOMO has to offer. We are beginning to consider regional/
the chance, they enrich the community and organizations
area ALPs offerings in the larger markets of St. Louis and Kansas City, as a way to involve and
they are involved in through their ideas, contributions, and
positively impact more participants, as well as potentially forge stronger local partnerships
work ethic. To belong gives all of us security. To contribute
with universities, colleges and even schools.
gives us pride and self-worth. These ALPs athletes thrive
when given the chance to belong and contribute.”
For more info, visit www.SOMO.org/ALPs. --ALPs Instructor--Dave Musgrave

09 September 2022
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3

Schnucks LETR Days Schnucks LETR Days

4 5 6 7 8 9 10
8th Annual Super
Hero Bocce
Schnucks LETR Days Tournament

11 12 13 14 15 16 17
North Area KC Metro Area Dare to Dream Charity
Celebrity Softball Golf Clinic Golf Tournament
Game

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30
 P ROGRAMS WE OFFER
Young Athletes™
Young Athletes™ is a unique sport-and-play program for
children with and without intellectual disabilities. The focus
is on fun activities that are important to mental and physical
growth.

Children ages 2-7 enjoy games and activities that develop

motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Young Athletes is
an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special
Olympics.

The program teaches children fine motor skills that they use
throughout their life. It also helps them learn how to interact
with others, especially those who might learn differently.

For many families, this is their first introduction to Special

Olympics and the resources and support we offer for children
(and adults) with intellectual disabilities. SOMO served more
than 798 Young Athletes in 2021.

For more info on a YAP near you, visit

www.SOMO.org/youngathletes/.

10 October 2022
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
Angling for
Athletes

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 State Outdoor
Sports Zone State Outdoor Games
Games (Jefferson City)
(Jefferson City)
Healthy Athletes Scott Wright
Memorial
Cornhole
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
State Outdoor
Games Strikers for SOMO
(Jefferson City)
North Area
Trivia Night

16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Jefferson City Leadership Summit
Ladies Night Out State Awards
Piccadilly Luncheon
ALPS Graduation

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31
North Area
Play Unified Day
@ MWSU
 Law Enforcement Torch Run®
S TATEWIDE PARTNERS
Letz Award winner
Susan Stegeman, Special Olympics Missouri
During a Dec. 10 ceremony, Susan
Stegeman , SOMO’s former President
& CEO, was awarded the 2021 John
Michael Letz Award, the highest
award presented by the Missouri Law
Enforcement Torch Run® program.
Susan is well known as one of the
trailblazers, bringing Missouri’s LETR
program from raising thousands of Susan Stegeman, right,
dollars annually, to raising millions of posing with SOMO athlete,
dollars annually. The John Michael Letz Jamie Graham, left.
Award recognizes an individual whose
unselfish efforts and contributions
are directly responsible for the success of the Law Enforcement Torch
Run for Special Olympics Missouri. The recipient is an individual who
In 2021, Missouri’s Law Enforcement Torch Run rounded out its 36th year of supporting SOMO constantly works to do more, not for the recognition, but rather in
athletes through volunteering and fundraising around the state. The vision of the LETR was brought support of SOMO athletes. Susan’s involvement with the LETR goes
to life by Col. Ralph Biele, retired, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. In 1986, Biele and the Missouri beyond Missouri; she has served on the International LETR Council,
Police Chiefs Association decided to rally all law enforcement to hold a fundraiser for Special Olympics served on the support crew for the USA and World Games Final Leg, and
Missouri, and the rest is history. was inducted into the Richard LaMunyon Hall of Fame.

What began as a 30-mile run, is now a year-long campaign and week-long relay covering more than
1,000 miles that culminates at State Summer Games. That first year, 87 officers from 35 agencies
raised $15,000. In 2021, Missouri’s law enforcement fundraising efforts earned the No. 9 ranking in
the world! Today, 131 LETR agencies and more than 4,000 officers work year-round as some of our
greatest volunteers.

The LETR has formed many great community partnerships over the years. 2021 was the third year
for our partnership with Schnucks, and we are excited to see this partnership continue to grow!

SOMO’s two signature events are LETR projects – Polar Plunge® and Drive It Home Raffle. The
officers host Plunges, sell Torch Run T–shirts, hold dozens of special events, sell raffle tickets, hosts
a Truck Convoy, wait on tables at restaurants and so much more – all because they believe in our
athletes! LETR’s fundraising goal for 2022 is more than $1.3 million.

Thank you LETR, and congratulations on 36 years of outstanding

efforts!

For more information about LETR, visit www.SOMO.org/LETR.

11 November 2022
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5

Kansas City Metro

Area Bowling

6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Southwest Area
Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Bowling Statewide Statewide
Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop (Sunshine Lanes) Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop

North Area Statewide

Chili Bingo Tip-A-Cop

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Southwest Area Southwest Area Southwest Area

Bowling Bowling Bowling
(Sunshine Lanes) (4th Street Bowl) (4th Street Bowl)

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30
 P
Healthy Athletes® / Health & Wellness
ROGRAMS WE OFFER

The Healthy Athletes® program
is an initiative developed by Special
Olympics Inc., with a mission of
improving the overall health of our
athletes through various health
screenings. It is important for
athletes that do not have access to
a doctor due to financial reasons,
transportation or because they are
scared. So, the health screenings are
offered in an environment in which
they are familiar, surrounded by their
friends and coaches.
People with intellectual disabilities
have a 40 percent greater risk for
various health issues.
This is a wonderful program that
offers our athletes improved health
in an environment focused on the
needs of individuals with intellectual
disabilities. Many success stories have
been shared through this program
Recently, a mother of an athlete
was heard encouraging other athletes
to attend the screenings. When asked
if she had an experience with the
screenings, she shared that she found
out the importance of Healthy Hearing
when her son Kolin attended Healthy
Hearing, the volunteer doctors found
that he had hearing issues, which they
had not been aware of. Because of
this, he was able to get hearing aids.
This is one of many stories that we
are able to share because of this free
opportunity and the difference it
makes in the health of our athletes.
Disciplines include Fit Feet (podiatric
screening), Healthy Hearing (audiology
screening), Health Promotion (health
check and how to make healthy
choices.), Special Smiles (dental
screening), MedFest (sports physical
examination), Opening Eyes (eye
screening), FUNfitness (flexibility,
strength and balance) and Strong
Minds (adaptive coping skills).
In 2021, we had a total of 1066
athlete health screenings at statewide
and area events.
Through a three-year grant made
possible by Golisano Foundation,
Special Olympics Missouri received
recognition within one year for
achieving the highest organizational
distinction of a Special Olympics
Healthy Community through focus
on inclusive health. A focus on
partnerships with Missouri Workshops
and Schools, helped bring awareness
to programs throughout the State of
Missouri.
In 2022, athletes will have more
opportunities through health and
fitness. They will also have the
opportunity to participate in our
health and fitness programs virtually.
We look forward to providing our
athletes, coaches and community
partners with resources such as “Fit
Five” and “SoFit” through health
and wellness to enhance their
performance in their sports and their
lives. We anticipate an increase in our
screenings and Health and Wellness
programs because we will be at
multiple area and state events and
camps, as well as hosting our first
Health & Fitness Fair!
For more information on how to get
involved by volunteering or becoming
a clinician or sponsor, visit SOMO.org/
Health.

12 December 2022
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3
North Area 12
North Area 12 North Area 12 Days of Christmas
Days of Christmas Days of Christmas Raffle
Raffle Raffle
Southeast Area
Bowling
(Cape Girardeau)
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Southwest Area Southwest Area
North Area 12 North Area 12 North Area 12 North Area 12 Bowling Bowling North Area 12
Days of Christmas Days of Christmas Days of Christmas Days of Christmas (4th Street Bowl) (4th Street Bowl) Days of Christmas
Raffle Raffle Raffle Raffle Raffle
North Area 12 North Area 12
Days of Christmas Days of Christmas
Raffle Raffle
11 12 13 14 15 16 17

North Area 12 North Area 12

Days of Christmas Days of Christmas
Raffle Raffle

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31
TRAINING FOR LIFE CAMPUS
T RAINING FOR LIFE CAMPUS

RENTAL INFORMATION
Centrally located in Jefferson City, the Training for Life Campus can
handle all of your meeting needs while also supporting our mission. We
transform lives thru sports and health and wellness programs that not
only help our athletes, but also the volunteers and community at large.

Our new facility serves as the official training site for all Special Olympics
athletes and you can enjoy it too. Features include: large multi-purpose
Arena, as well as three large multi-media rooms, which can be utilized
for your meetings, training and events. We are more than a meeting
space. Our athletes make the difference. We offer team building
facilities, athlete testimonials, group tours, athletes in action and fun
while supporting the Special Olympics mission.

QUESTIONS?
Please call to arrange a tour. For questions or to inquire about reserving
your space, please contact Jessica Anderson at 573-469-7826 or
janderson@somo.org.

01 January 2023
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31
 Knights of Columbus
S TATEWIDE PARTNERS

Every year the Missouri Knights of Columbus have a $75,000 annual commitment to
serve as an official Statewide Sponsor of Special Olympics Missouri Indoor, Summer and
Outdoor State Games, while having raised $1.2M for the Training for Life Campus in
previous years. The Sports Education Multi-Media Wing within the Training for Life Campus
carries the name Missouri State Council Knights of Columbus.

The Missouri Knights of Columbus have remained faithfully dedicated to serving

individuals with intellectual disabilities through their commitment to SOMO over the past
three decades. Today, they are more involved than ever before: volunteering and assisting
with awards at the state competitions, providing meals at events, standing as the Honor
Guard of Opening Ceremonies, hosting fundraisers, serving as coaches, participating
as Unified Partners and much more. Our current Board of Directors is proud to have
representation from three Knights of Columbus, including SOMO Athlete Jared Niemeyer.

Athletes enjoy attending the Knights of Columbus statewide tournaments, selling raffle
tickets, telling their SOMO stories and meeting new members across the state. It’s a win-
win relationship for all!

“As a SOMO parent, volunteer and coach I can attest to the powerful impact that
changing one life makes on a community. The SOMO and the Knights of Columbus
partnership has impacted thousands of lives in Missouri alone, this impact is powerfully
inclusive and empowering communities everywhere. The message of acceptance, inclusion
and empowerment vibrates with love and impactful change.” – Brenda Niemeyer, mother
of Jared Niemeyer

For more information on the Knights of Columbus Partnership, visit

SOMO.org/KnightsofColumbus.

“The Missouri State Council shares a special partnership with SOMO that helps
athletes with intellectual disabilities train for and compete in games around the
state, our country, and the world. This partnership also allows athletes at the
TLC to receive critical screenings from physicians for dental, audiology, podiatry,
mental health, vision and much more that may not be available to them. This is
a major part of our programming and the reason I and many others joined the
Knights of Columbus.”
– Robert Hawkins, Missouri Knights of Columbus State Deputy

02 February 2023
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28
 P ROGRAMS WE OFFER
DIAMOND PET FOODS
In 2021, following many years of continued support, Special Olympics
Missouri began a statewide partnership with Diamond Pet Foods, a DIAMOND PET FOODS
family-owned business. A passion for making quality pet food for 50 years, HEALTHY ATHLETES®
the company is one of the fastest growing pet food manufacturers in the WING
country, trusted by professional breeders, trainers, veterinarians and pet The health wing in the Training for Life
Campus features the name: Diamond Pet Foods
owners in all 50 states and in 100 countries around the world. Healthy Athletes®.

Similar to their business, Special Olympics

For 50 years, Special Olympics has been spreading the message: people
with intellectual disabilities can and will succeed when given the chance.
This partnership with Diamond Pet Foods will expand and grow our
programs and support our Special Olympics Missouri athletes. This gift is
an investment in SOMO for today and into the future.
athletes have the opportunity to put their trust
in professionals to provide health screenings
and to educate health professionals in caring for
people with intellectual disabilities.
For more information on the Diamond Pet
Foods Healthy Athletes® wing, email Griffin@
SOMO.org.

03 March 2023
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Shamrock
Run
(St. Joe)

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31
St. Joseph
Ladies Night Out
Piccadilly
 H
The SOMO Hall of Fame was created in 1997 by the Board of
Directors as a way to recognize longevity and achievement of
athletes and volunteers within Special Olympics Missouri.
ALL OF FAME
SOMO HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
1997 2006 2016
A voting committee of no more than nine individuals, appointed by Dick Spence Don Holbert Robb Eichelberger
The Hall of Fame chair, Special Olympics Missouri Board Chair and Jamie Graham Zim Schwartze
Special Olympics Missouri President are responsible for reviewing Jo Wood 2007
all nominations and voting on no more than two inductees in each Shirlene Treadwell 2017
category . The voting committee consists of individuals representing 1998 Gary Brimer
past inductees, current staff and board members and the current Family of Chuck Smith 2008
board athlete representative. To be inducted, finalists must be Family of Jeff Ottenad Bea Webb 2018
named on six of the nine secret ballots. A MAXIMUM OF TWO Joe McGuire Larry Stephens Brock Guseman
Sarah Byland
NOMINEES FROM EACH CATEGORY MAY BE CHOSEN IN ANY ONE
1999 2009 Terri Dallas
YEAR. Craig Closterman Chet Hollingshead
Ralph Biele 2019
2000 Mark Musso
A permanent display, housed in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Karen Mitchell 2010
Springfield, features photos of each year’s Special Olympics Missouri Vana Galloway Daniel Schieber 2021
Hall of Fame inductees. Frank O’Malley David Pudlowski
2001 Jim Moran
Joe Fuller 2011
CRITERIA: John Giboney Beth Brokamp
Becca Tincknell
Athlete and NON-athletes may be nominated based on the following Prerequisites:
2002 2012
• Participation for at least 15 years with Special Olympics, with at least 10
Greg Swinney Linda Weiderholt
of those years being with Special Olympics Missouri
• Not a present employee of Special Olympics Missouri Vicky Dannenmueller Ray Lauer
• Not a current member of the Special Olympics Missouri Board of Directors
• Demonstrates behavior and conduct associated with integrity and good 2003 2013
sportsmanship Arthur Murphy Danny Duvall
• Demonstrated a significant positive impact within the Special Olympics Peggy Neff Mark Bussen
movement
2004 2014
Jane Howell Duke Simmons
NOMINATIONS: Shirley Shattuck Larry Elrod
• Nominations will be sought six months prior to the award being presented Linda May
and will be due on August 1 each year. 2005
• Previous nominees will not automatically be forwarded to the next Gordon Barnes 2015
award year.
Graham Williams Randy Boehm
• Individuals may be nominated in no more than three separate award years.

04 April 2023
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Southeast Area
Spring Games
(Cape Girardeau)

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Southeast Area
Spring Games
(Poplar Bluff)

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30
 P ROGRAMS WE OFFER

2022 USA Games

June 5-12 , 2022, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will
unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states
and the Caribbean, 20,000 volunteers and 125,000 spectators
during one of the country’s most cherished sporting events.
We all have reasons to shine. For Special Olympics athletes,
one of those reasons is the love of sport. Special Olympics
athletes display remarkable abilities not only on the field,
but in all areas of life. By celebrating their dedication and
perserverance, we become champions for a more inclusive
world. A world where we all shine as one.

On August 8, 2021 we announced

Team Missouri athletes, coaches and
Unified Partners headed to the USA
Games in Orlando, Fla. Since that
announcement, Team Missouri has been
training in its respective sports to be at
the top of its game for the USA games.

05 May 2023
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6
MAAA Track & Field
Meet

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31
 Missouri Association
of Student Councils
S TATEWIDE PARTNERS
School of Character Award

MASC’s relationship with

SOMO presents member
schools with an opportunity for
service and a connection to an
organization that holds events
across the state. The partnership
with SOMO has made MASC
a leader in promoting social
inclusion, acceptance and
respect of all individuals.

MASC schools across the state

provide an average of 12,000
volunteer hours each year and host many Special Olympics Missouri events and
services.

MASC made a concentrated effort in 2009 to promote the Polar Plunge as
an activity to participate in and raise money which has generated more than
$1.3 million dollars. In 2021, we had great plunge participation from our MASC
member schools. That doesn’t even count the numerous other fundraisers the
councils do each year to support their local SOMO programs.
SOMO athletes and Unified Partners attend the MASC Leadership Workshop
(week-long camp) each year to learn valuable leadership skills and work alongside
their peers. MASC and its students promote social
inclusion, acceptance and respect of all individuals
across the state.
For more information on our partnership with
MASC, visit SOMO.org/MASC.
The Special Olympics Missouri School of Character program was established in 2014 for
schools who are members of the Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC) as a
way to recognize their level of involvement in the Special Olympics movement through
Unified Sports®, whole school engagement and inclusive youth leadership.
Schools go through an application process, providing documentation of the various
activities they have done and earn points to achieve Gold, Silver or Bronze recognition.
One school has the opportunity to receive the Award of Merit if it chooses to submit
the additional requirements for this award and meet all the other requirements.
Poplar Bluff High School
Festus High School
Odessa High School
Fulton High School
Seckman High School
Jennings High School
Windsor High School

For more information on the program and how

your school can get involved,
visit SOMO.org/Youth.

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State Summer State Summer

Games Games
Columbia Columbia

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State Summer
Games
Columbia

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Special Olympics Special Olympics

World Games World Games

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Special Olympics Special Olympics Special Olympics Special Olympics Special Olympics Special Olympics Special Olympics
World Games World Games World Games World Games World Games World Games World Games

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Special Olympics
World Games
 2021
• In-person fundraisers came back!

• The 3rd annual Schnucks LETR Days raised more than $63,700.
HIGHLIGHTS

• Healthy Athletes was incorporated into the first ever Team Missouri Selection Camp held at the campus. It
included a cooking class with the Color Coded Chef, Fit 5 activities and health screenings.

• Our first annual Evening with Andy Reid was a huge success, raising $173,000.

• Hosted State Summer Games in-person resulting in a successful one-day event for athletes across the state.

• Secured a NEW Statewide Partner – Casey’s General Store (SOMO.org/sponsor).

• Hosted Team Missouri Selection Camp to pick the athletes that will represent Missouri at the 2022 USA
Games in Orlando, Fla.

WELCOME LARRY LINTHACUM

We’re so excited to have Larry Linthacum join our team as our new President and Chief Executive Officer in July! Our Board of Directors
announced his hiring this past January.

Linthacum’s appointment positions SOMO to continue its long history of serving Missourians, of all ages, with intellectual disabilities. At
the forefront of the organization’s mission are the athletes. SOMO serves these individuals with outreach and developmental programs,
competitions, education, employment opportunities along with Healthy Athletes, which is a health and wellness initiative promoting
proper diet, activity, partnerships and free health screenings. Currently more than 10,000 athletes across Missouri’s 115 counties
participate in at least one aspect of SOMO.

“Our Board of Directors is thrilled to have a leader of Dr. Linthacum’s caliber join us,” SOMO Board Chair Cathy Bumb said. “Larry possesses
the qualifications and expertise to ensure SOMO continues to positively change the lives of our brave athletes and their families. We look
forward to building on SOMO’s successes under his leadership.”

Linthacum will retire on June 30, 2022 from the Jefferson City School District after serving as its Superintendent of Schools for seven years. He has nearly 30 years
of experience in education, having served as superintendent, teacher, counselor and coach. He has a doctorate in education from the University of Missouri, where he
played football as a tight end while working toward a business administration undergraduate degree. Linthacum and his family live in Jefferson City, and he is active
with several community organizations.

“I am super excited about the opportunity with SOMO. I am excited to lead and work collectively in transforming lives across Missouri, specifically our children and
adults with intellectual disabilities,” Linthacum said.

In Linthacum’s role, he will lead a team of 30 professionals in Missouri who are addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation of people with
intellectual disabilities. Linthacum begins his new assignment on July 18 and will be headquartered at the Training for Life Campus in Jefferson City.

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 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cathy Bumb, Audrey Verret, Ken Theroff, Glenda Knebel Gary Wilbers, Richard Banahan Linda Brokamp Jeanie Byland
Chairman Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past Chair St. Louis Columbia Columbia
St. Louis St. Louis Jefferson City Chesterfield Jefferson City St. Louis Community IDEXX Radil; Mid America
Eastman Chemical Co.; Moneta Group; Jefferson Bank; Cordant Health Ascend Business College; Marketing/ Mortgage;
Director of Remediation Employee Engagement President & CEO Solutions; Chief Human Strategies; Chief (Retired) Comm. Specialist Vice President
and Sr. Environmental & Culture Specialist Resources Officer Executive Coach (Retired)
Counsel

Dr. Phil Cook Jonathan Curtright Dr. Larry Ewing Roger Gardner Brad Grill Jim Hagale Briana Haines
Carl Junction Columbia Chesterfield Jefferson City Kansas City Nixa Kansas City
Carl Junction School MU Health Care Admin; Fort Osage R-1 School Learfield; Grill Law Bass Pro; KPMG, LLC;
District; CEO District; Chief Culture & Firm, LLC; Former COO Manager, National
Superintendent of Superintendent of Communications Attorney & Owner (Retired) Design, Proposal &
Schools Schools (Retired) Officer Production Services

John Harding Jenna Kerwood Jared Niemeyer Cydney Ricker Brad Wachler Chief Paul Williams Susan Stegeman
Cape Girardeau Chesterfield Edina Kansas City St. Charles Springfield Jefferson City
The Limbaugh Law Brown Smith Wallace SOMO athlete; KC Chiefs; Lindenwood University; Springfield Police Special Olympics
Firm; Attorney LLP; Partner, Property HyVee Manager of Football Vice President for Department; Missouri;
Tax Service Communications & Intercollegiate Activities Springfield Police President & CEO
Admin Department Chief

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University of Missouri System
S TATEWIDE PARTNERS
Highlights of our
partnership in 2021:
In Nov. 2019, Special Olympics Missouri announced a statewide partnership with
the University of Missouri System, the University of Missouri and MU Health Care. This • Trained Healthy Athletes
partnership opens up countless opportunities between all of our organizations and
institutions. Clinicians from UMKC
• Multiple Virtual MU Extension
Whether it’s recruiting personal trainers for our health & wellness program, mentors
and instructors for our Athlete Leadership program, volunteers for our year-round Performance Nutrition Sessions
sports training and competition program or anything in between, this partnership will • MU Athletic Trainers covering
make a world of difference for our organization and, most importantly, the thousands
of people with intellectual disabilities and their families that we serve on a daily basis. State Summer Games and State
Outdoor Games
For more information on our partnership with University of Missouri System, • Multiple Interns from
University of Missouri and MU Health Care, visit UM Systems
www.SOMO.org/UniversityofMissouriSystem.

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 Day Programs
P ROGRAMS WE OFFER

These 8-week programs are designed to instruct individuals on how to

exercise and get fit.
Primary programs offered are dance fitness, adaptive volleyball, adaptive
basketball, adaptive softball, walking, yoga, fitness room workout, dice/
yahtzee, corn hole, twister, ladder golf and bocce.
These programs offered at the Training for Life Campus are to help provide
athletes the chance to be active, learn more about the importance of
nutrition and how to take care of themselves, as well as growing their social
skills.
For more information, visit SOMO.org/TLCPROGRAMS.
Challenge Days
Challenge Days are a one-day event that have been designed specifically for the
severe and profound population of Special Olympics Missouri. Due to the need to
offer more activities to our severe and profound population, it has been a goal of
SOMO to expand our motor skills programs.
While many individuals with mental and physical challenges compete and excel
in sports, too many with severe physical challenges miss out on the athletic
experience due to the severity of their handicaps, transportation obstacles and
activities that don’t meet their specific needs.
All activities are modified to meet these special athletes’ needs. For example,
on the bocce court, a ramp is used to assist athletes when rolling the ball onto
the court. These athletes are given the opportunity to experience the joy of
competition and are no longer limited due to their disability.

Unified Programs For more information on Challenge Days, email Shaffer@somo.org.

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is aimed at promoting social

inclusion through whole school engagement, inclusive youth leadership and FIT 5
unified sports. With sports as the foundation, this model offers a unique
Athletes have the opportunity to
combination of effective activities that equip young people with
participate in the Fit 5 fitness program.
tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of
These classes are held in-person and
acceptance.
virtually. The 6-week program occurs
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is an inclusive program that combines throughout the year, and it is led by
individuals with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and individuals without SOMO Health Messengers, Athletes
intellectual disabilities (Unified Partners) on sports teams for training and and Staff.
competition. Special Olympics Unified Sports promotes social inclusion
through shared sport training and competition experiences for individals
with and without intellectual disabilities. Athletes and partners compete
alongside one another, each in a meaningful and integral role on the
Unified Sports team.

For more information, visit SOMO.org/UnifiedSports.

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 S OMO COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Kansas City Chiefs

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FLAG FOOTBALL CLINIC

Our athletes enjoyed running drills,
practicing, and meeting players such as wide
receiver Mecole Hardman!
Our first annual Evening with Andy Reid event was a huge success in June of 2021, raising $173,000.
Hundreds of SOMO supporters came together at Arrowhead Stadium to raise money and celebrate
our athletes. Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid has quickly become one of SOMO’s biggest advocates. We
look forward to building on our strong relationship with Coach Reid and the Chiefs in the coming years.
We’ll be holding our second annual Evening with Andy Reid event on June 9, 2022!

For three years now, SOMO has been selected as one of the recipients
of the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. During the 15 and the
Mahomies Foundation Gala in November, Patrick and Brittany Mahomes
recognized 15 deserving nonprofit organizations and presented each
with a $15,000 donation.

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 2021
First Annual Evening with Andy Reid raised $173,000
TOP FUNDRAISERS
In 2021, the Truck Convoy had 429 trucks participate and
raised over $144,500

Held 11 Polar Plunges, with more

than 1,680 Plungers and
raised over $698,000

In 2021, over $35,327 was raised from the two

Piccadilly events

Over $314,490 raised from the

Drive it Home Raffle thanks to
Seventh Annual Super Hero Bocce Tournament had Missouri Automobile Dealers Association
40 teams and raised over $17,000

www.SOMO.org

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