K!

C
HA

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI

STATE SUMMER GAMES

SPRINGFIELD 2016
MAY 20-22

!
M

KA

O
BO

IS PROUD
TO SUPPORT

CONGRATS ON
GETTING HERE AND
GOOD LUCK THIS
WEEKEND!

1
Ready to show
everyone Truth, Justice
and the SOMO Way?
Last years State Summer Games was our first
statewide competition back in the Springfield
community since 2011 and it was certainly
memorable! From the outpouring of volunteer
support to the tornado warning during Opening
Ceremony, it was an event that we will all remember
for years to come.
The Springfield area has always embraced our
competitions and, most importantly, our athletes
with open arms. Last year was proof the support for
our program never waned and for that we are forever
grateful.
As you enjoy these Games, I encourage you to
thank one of the hundreds of volunteers who help
make it all happen. Youll see them helping set up
competitions, running events, handing out water and
presenting medals and ribbons on the awards stands.
The State Summer Games are truly a community
endeavor and volunteers are the force that provides
so many opportunities for our athletes. We owe them
a great deal of gratitude. Without their help, none of
this would be possible. SOMO staff and athletes are
eternally grateful for their support.
Many thanks to the Games Management Team, law
enforcement and the coaches who spend hours each
week dedicated to the athletes. Id also like to thank
our outstanding SOMO staff for safely conducting
255 events annually.
My best wishes go out to all of the SOMO athletes.
As one of your biggest fans, I look forward to the
opportunity to see each of you shine. You are the
inspiration for our staff, volunteers and supporters,
and you are the reason we all work so hard to make
this the best event possible.
As for all of the local volunteers here this weekend,
we hope you will join us at one of the eight Southwest
Area competitions we have
throughout the year. Visit
SOMO.org/Southwest to find
the next one.

Mark C. Musso
President & CEO
Special Olympics Missouri

2
SCHEDULE
OF EVENT
S
Friday, May 20

All Day
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Various
8:30 a.m.

Volleyball Coaches Meeting
Hammons Student Center
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Hammons Student Center
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Soccer

Track and Field Venue
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch pick-up
Hammons Student Center
1-5 p.m. STRIVE/Train
Hammons Student Center
3-10 p.m. Coaches Registration
Hammons Student Center
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Blair Shannon Hall
7:30-9 p.m.
Opening Ceremony
Hammons Student Center
9 p.m. Coaches Meeting (all sports)
Hammons Student Center

Saturday, May 21

6-8 a.m. Breakfast

Blair Shannon Hall
7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Coaches Registration
Hammons Student Center
7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Track and Field competition

Track and Field Venue
8:30 a.m. Aquatics Coaches Meeting
Hammons Student Center
9:30 a.m. Powerlifting weigh-in
Hammons Student Center

(North entrance)
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aquatics competition
Hammons Student Center
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Victory Village

Bear Blvd./Outside Hammons
Student Center
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Healthy Athletes
Hammons Student Center
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Powerlifting competition
Hammons Student Center

3
Saturday schedule continued...
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch

Blair Shannon Hall
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Dinner

Blair Shannon Hall
6-7 p.m. Athlete Input Council

Blair Shannon Hall
7-9 p.m. Dance/Bingo
Hammons Student Center

Sunday, May 22

6-8 a.m. Breakfast

Blair Shannon Hall
7 a.m. Coaches Registration

Corner of Bear Blvd. and

John Q. Hammons
7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Track and Field competition

Track and Field venue
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch

Blair Shannon Hall

OPENING
CEREMONY
Friday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Hammons Student Center
Emcee & Special Guests

Clint Gerlek from Alice 95.5 will host the evenings festivities.
Springfield Mayor Robert Stephens and Missouri Police
Chiefs Association President Chief Paul Williams of
Springfield P.D. will also address the crowd.

Entertainment

The Crush will help get our athletes on their feet and dancing
as the main entertainment for the Opening Ceremony!

Color Guard & National Anthem

The colors will be presented by Law Enforcement from around

the state and the Missouri State Council Knights of Columbus.
Our National Anthem will be performed by SOMO athlete
Stephanie Littrell.

Athletes Oath & Coachs Oath

They will be led by Rick Britain, a SOMO athlete-leader and

Summer Games GMT member, and Robin (Bobbi) Roberts,
SOMOs 2015 Outstanding Coach.

Law Enforcement Torch Run &

Lighting of the Flame of Hope

The Opening Ceremony marks the culmination of the 30th

annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOMO. The Flame
will be presented by representatives from all nine Torch Run
regions. Jessica Jansen, SOMOs 2015 Outstanding Athlete,
and Lt. Steve Davis of Missouri Highway Patrol Troop I will
light the cauldron. Davis is the winner of the 2015 Letz Award,
the top award presented for unsung LETR heroic efforts.

DRIVE IT HOME RAFFLE

The Drive It Home
Raffle is back and with
a new TRUCK to boot!
The Missouri Automobile Dealers Association is donating a new
gray 2016 Ford F-150
XLT!
Tickets are $5
and are available for
purchase at Opening
Ceremony at Hammons Student Center on Friday, Victory Village
on Saturday and at the track and field venue on Sunday morning.
For more information on the raffle, visit SOMO.org/Win.

5
Track & Field

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Competition Schedule
MSU Track and Field Venue

SUNDAY (LOW MOTOR EVENTS)

Aquatics

Competition Schedule
Hammons Student Center

SATURDAY

8:30 a.m.
Coaches meeting & warm-up
9:15 a.m.
10/15/25-meter flotation race,

10/15-meter unassisted/assisted

swim, 15-meter walk, 800/1500-meter

freestyle
10 a.m.
25-meter freestyle, breaststroke,

butterfly, backstroke
10:45 a.m. 50/100/200-meter butterfly
11:15 a.m. 50/100/200-meter breaststroke
Noon
400-meter freestyle
12:15 p.m. 50/100/200-meter freestyle
1:30 p.m.
50/100/200-meter backstroke
2:15 p.m.
100/200-meter individual medley
2:45 p.m.
4x100-meter freestyle, medley and

unified relays
4x50-meter freestyle, medley and

unified relays
4x25-meter freestyle, medley and

unified relays

7
LAW
ENFORCEMENT
TORCH RUN
History of the
Torch Run

The vision of the LETR was

brought to life 30 years ago by
Col. Ralph Biele, retired, of the
MISSOURI
Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Biele and the Missouri Police
Chiefs Association decided to rally all law enforcement to
hold a fundraiser for Special Olympics and the rest is history.
What began in 1986 as a 30-mile run is now a week-long
relay covering more than 1,000 miles to culminate at State
Summer Games. That first year, 87 officers from 35 agencies
raised $15,000. In 2015, Missouris law enforcement was
awarded the No. 6 ranking in the world for raising $2.4
million!

This years run

More than 3,000 runners (MOST EVER!) participated in the

2016 Torch Run from May 9-20. They are from various law
enforcement agencies including sheriff, police, corrections,
highway patrol, federal and state agencies and campus
police. These runners took 37 different routes and covered
more than 1,000 miles.

They believe

Today nearly 200 LETR agencies and 6,400 officers work

year-round as some of our greatest volunteers. SOMOs
three signature events are LETR projects Polar Plunge,
Over the Edge and the Drive it Home Raffle. The officers
host Plunges, sell Torch Run T-shirts, hold dozens of special
events, sell raffle tickets and encourage fans to go Over
the Edge all because they believe in our athletes! Their
fundraising goal for 2016 is $2.6 million!

A special thanks goes to Smiths Restaurant for

providing the food at the 2016 State Summer Games
Law Enforcement Torch Run Dinner.

HEALTHY
ATHLETES PARK
The mission of these screenings developed by Special
Olympics Inc., is to improve, through better health and
fitness, each athletes ability to train and compete in
Special Olympics. All screenings are free.

Friday, May 20
Hammons Student Center
STRIVE/TRAIN (1-5 P.M.)

Testing Recreational Activities and Improving Nutrition

To track and improve athlete health and quality of life.

Saturday, May 21
Hammons Student Center

OPENING EYES (10 A.M.-4 P.M.)

A complete eye exam is provided by optometrists. At the end

of the screening, athletes receive a free pair of prescription
eyeglasses or designer sunglasses, pending their screening
results and qualifications. Opening Eyes is made possible by a
grant from the Lions Club International. Materials are provided
by Essilor, Safilo and Liberty. Thanks to the Missouri Optometric
Association and to Jordan Valley Community Health Center for
the use of its mobile unit.

FUNFITNESS (NOON-4 P.M.)

A physical therapy screening program that is designed to assess

and improve physical strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic
fitness, educate athletes and parents on the importance of
becoming and staying physically fit and provide a hands-on
opportunity for participating Special Olympics athletes to learn
more about physical therapy.

SPECIAL SMILES (NOON-4 P.M.)

Dentists and hygienists provide one-on-one instruction on proper

teeth-brushing techniques, an oral health screening using tongue
blades and flashlights (no treatment is given) and information on
the value of nutrition in maintaining good oral health. Thanks to
the Missouri Dental Association.

HEALTHY HEARING (NOON-4 P.M.)

As the audiological component of Healthy Athletes, Healthy

Hearing was created to assess the hearing of athletes using
multiple screening methods such as pure-tone testing and
tympanometry. Thanks to the dedication and support of Missouri
State University, we will be able to provide vouchers for free
hearing aids that immediately restore hearing for athletes in
need. Thank you to Lions Club International for its sponsorship.
Hearing screenings are provided by the Communication Sciences
and Disorders Department at Missouri State University.

The Jordan Valley Community

Health Center first aid mobile unit
will be at the track and field venue all weekend.

SOMO FAN FAQ

Where should I park?

Volunteers, fans and teams staying off campus: MSU Lot 44

or Bear Park North
Cars and vans for teams staying on campus: MSU Lot 25
GMT members and event managers: MSU Lot 15
For a detailed map on where these lots are located, see pages
10-11 in this guide.

Are there concessions?

Concession stands with snacks and drinks will be available to

fans for purchase at the following locations:
Hammons Student Center
May 20
MSU Track and Field Venue
May 21-22
Paddy Wagon Grill food truck (outside track and field)
May 21-22

How do I get more involved?

There are competition and fundraising events year-round in

the Southwest Area. Visit our website at www.somo.org for
more info.

Why cant I go down on the track when

my athlete is competing?

Access is restricted so staff and volunteers can do their jobs

and allow the athletes to safely compete without distractions
from spectators and possible disqualification.

How can I find out about weather

delays, and last-minute changes?

This week, text SOMO to 51555 to receive live text updates

during the 2016 State Summer Games!

Is there seating available at the venues?

Seating is available at every venue, but its limited, so be sure

to bring a bag chair along just in case.

Where can family and friends eat?

Only athletes and coaches are allowed to eat at the dorms on

campus and at the venues. Family and friends are encouraged
to either eat at the venues that have concession stands (see
above) or visit one of the many restaurants Springfield has to
offer.

Can I smoke outside of the venues?

There is a strict no-smoking policy on the campus of Missouri

State University. This policy also applies to electronic cigarettes.

Shop n Save is a

proud
supporter
of Special Olympics!

GAMES

13

MANAGEMENT
TEAM
The Games Management Team has organized and planned
each aspect of this event in partnership with the SOMO staff.
Special Olympics Missouri would like to recognize each of
them for the time and effort they have given to make the
2016 State Summer Games a wonderful success! THANK
YOU!

Zim Schwartze, Chair

Rick Britain, Athlete Representative
Denise Baumann
Keith Boaz
Betsy Bridgers
Aaron Bridgers
Jacob Conklin
Jeff Coonrod
Whitney Durr
Jeff Fugett
Tony Hein
Addie Hillenburg
Tom Johnson

Lance Kettering
Debbie Letterman
Ashton May
Laree Moore
Megan OLeary
Brandi Persinger
Roger Wallenburg
Letitia White
Mike & Julie Wiloughby
Rebecca Woodard

14

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
The Special Olympics Missouri Board of Directors is
responsible for setting the direction of the organization.
They formulate and establish policies and fundraise for
the organization. The Board also protects the assets and
financial resources of the organization to ensure the longrange financial stability of the organization. Thank you to
these key volunteers, who serve SOMO 365 days a year.

Mark Musso; SOMO President & CEO, Lake of the Ozarks

Dr. Phillip Cook; Chairman, Carl Junction
Don Spears; Vice Chairman, Belton
Gary Wilbers; Secretary, Jefferson City
Dr. Lee Ann Barrett; Treasurer, Boonville
Richard Banahan, St. Louis
Linda Brokamp, Columbia
Jeanie Byland, Columbia
Roger Gardner, Jefferson City
Brad Grill, Kansas City
Glenda Knebel, St. Louis
Roger Kurtz, Jefferson City
Dr. Rolanda Maxim Gott, St. Louis
Jared Niemeyer, Edina
David Pudlowski, Eureka
Bea Webb, Kansas City
Marty Willadsen, Battlefield

A huge thank-you goes

out to our bronze sponsors:

Good Luck,
Athletes!

From all of your friends at the

Missouri Association of Student
Councils. You are our inspiration!

16
Congratulations to the SOMO
Hall of Fame Class of 2015!
HALL OF FAME
NOMINATIONS
Randy
Boehm
Columbia

Know someone (athlete or volunteer) who

has been involved with SOMO for 15 years or
more? Nominate them for the SOMO Hall of
Fame. Visit somo.org/HOF to download an
application.

STAY CONNECTED!
SOMO

Sign up for text alerts! Text

to
and well text you if there are
urgent announcements at our State Summer
Games. Standard messaging rates apply.

51555

YOURE ALL
GOLD MEDAL
WINNERS TO US!

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Were proud to play a role

in the 2016 State Summer
Games. Congratulations!

17
KNIGHT
S OF
COLUMBUS
Internationally

Since 1968, the Knights of Columbus

has donated more than $600
million to programs for people with
intellectual disabilities around the
world.
In 2005, the Knights of Columbus
announced an official partnership
with Special Olympics to grow the
program in North America in addition
to pledging increased volunteer support for state and local
games.

Locally

The Missouri Knights of Columbus has supported SOMO

for over three decades as an official statewide partner.
Annually, they provide funds, meals, volunteers, Honor
Guards and host numerous events each year to promote
Special Olympics.
In 2014, the Order accepted a challenge to raise $1 million
over five years for the planned Training for Life Campus
the future home of SOMO. The Missouri Knights are well on
their way as they have already surpassed 50 percent of their
goal in the first two years!
The Missouri State Council Knights of Columbus is honored
to take part in State Summer Games and to support SOMO
year-round!

www.SOMO.org/
KnightsOfColumbus

18

SPECIAL
EVENT
S
Saturday, May 21
Bear Blvd., MSU Campus

10 A.M.-4 P.M. VICTORY VILLAGE

Please join us at Victory Village from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. for a

variety of fun activities such as: inflatable games, fire trucks,
police cars, Southwest Dairy ice cream, lawn games, food, music,
crafts and much more! At 1 p.m. SIX from Branson will perform
a special concert. The Paddy Wagon Grill food truck will be selling
food at outside the track and field venue from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on
Saturday and Sunday.

Blair Shannon dining hall, MSU Campus

6-7 P.M. ATHLETE INPUT COUNCIL

Because we very much value the input of our athletes in regard

to the planning and execution of our events, we are holding an
Athlete Input Council at Blair Shannon dining hall (No. 8 on the
SOMO Map). EVERY SINGLE ATHLETE AT THE STATE SUMMER
GAMES IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THIS MEETING.
It is a time for the athletes to get together as a group and give
SOMO feedback on what went well at the 2016 State Summer
Games and what improvements we can make for 2017. Make
sure youre there and that you bring several of your athlete
friends with ideas to share!

Hammons Student Center, MSU Campus

7-9 P.M. BINGO

Relax and join your friends for a game of Bingo.

7-9 P.M. DANCE

Celebrate your victories of the day with your new friends and
rock out at one of our most popular attractions the dance!

FANWEAR
A variety of SOMO fanwear, LETR shirts and much more
ranging from $1-$40 will be available for purchase during the
following times:

Friday, May 20
6-9 p.m. Opening Ceremony

Saturday, May 21
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Hammons Student Center

Dance/Bingo

Sunday, May 22
8 a.m.-noon

Track and Field Venue

GOOD LUCK,
ATHLETES!
CONGRATULATIONS
ON MAKING
IT TO STATE!
WE ARE SOME OF
YOUR BIGGEST FANS.
WE CANT WAIT TO SEE
WHAT YOU DO THIS
WEEKEND AND SHARE
IT WITH THE REST OF
SOUTHWEST
MISSOURI!

20
UPCOMING EVENT
S
Athlete Leadership Programs University
(SOMO.org/ALPs)
June 17-19
Missouri Military Academy, Mexico
Sports Camp (SOMO.org/Camp)
June 20-24
Missouri Military Academy, Mexico
State Outdoor Games (SOMO.org/Outdoor)
Oct. 14-16
Jefferson City
Bocce, flag football, golf, softball and tennis
Over the Edge (SOMO.org/Edge)
Oct. 15 Jefferson City
Oct. 29 St. Louis

SPECIAL THANKS
Our Hosts:

City of Springfield
Missouri State University

Our Supporters:

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Springfield Sports

Commission, Springfield Park Board, SIX Show, Standing Room Only,
Hobbytime Motorsports, Jordan Valley Community Health Center,
OReilly Auto Parts, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Jack Henry & Associates

Our Volunteers:

Volunteering for Special Olympics can create lifelong friendships and

rewards of immeasurable value. As a volunteer, you will take pride
in knowing that you are an important part of a global movement
that provides athletes with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to
experience the joy of sports training and competition. Thank you!

ATHLETE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS (ALPS)

Empowering our athletes to
be leaders in their communities
ALPs University
June 17-19
Missouri Military Academy
$75 includes registration, meals, housing
Classes include:
Global Messenger I & II
Email/Internet
Photography
Social Media/Blogging
Athletes as Coaches
Social Etiquette/Professionalism
Registration is NOW OPEN! Its only open until we
reach our 40 athlete maximum, so sign up quickly!

www.SOMO.org/ALPs

Medical
Dental
Behavioral Health

Jordan Valley Community Health Center

440 E. Tampa St. l Springfield
Marshfield Clinic
1166 Banning St. l Marshfield
Hollister Clinic
33 Gage Dr. l Hollister
Republic Clinic
550 E. Harrison St. l Republic
Forsyth Dental Clinic
15479 US Hwy 160 l Forsyth
Lebanon Clinic
1216 Deadra Dr., Suite 100 l Lebanon

417.831.0150 | jordanvalley.org

Let me win.
But if I cannot win, let me be

BRAVE in the attempt.

Athletes Oath

STAY CONNECTED:
WORDPRESS: SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI
FACEBOOK: SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI
TWITTER: @SOMISSOURI
FLICKR: SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI
YOUTUBE: SPECIAL OLYMPICS MO
INSTAGRAM: SOMISSOURI

1001 Diamond Ridge, Suite 800

Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573)635-1660
www.SOMO.org