1001 Diamond Ridge, Suite 800Jefferson City, MO 65109

(573)635-1660www.SOMO.org

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

BRAVE in the attempt. Athletes Oath

#SOMOToTheMAX

STATE SUMMER GAMESSTATE SUMMER GAMESSTATE SUMMER GAMESSPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI

SPRINGFIELD 2015

STAY CONNECTED:

FACEBOOK (SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI)

WORDPRESS (SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI)

FLICKR (SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI)

TWITTER (@SOMISSOURI)

YOUTUBE (SPECIAL OLYMPICS MO)

INSTAGRAM (SOMISSOURI)

EVENT GUIDE SCAVENGER HUNT! Because our theme for the 2015 State Summer Games is the 80s, weve hidden sly references (hint: there are 10 total references) to that decade throughout this event guide. If you can find them all, circle them and show them to someone at the volunteer check-in table at the corner of Bear Blvd. and John Q. Hammons Parkway anytime this week-end, youll receive a prize!

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

CONGRATS ON GETTING HERE AND

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND!

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 THE SOUTHWEST AREA!

Ready to take SOMO to the MAX?We're very excited to return to the Springfield community for the first statewide competition here since 2008! We knew when we left here a few years ago, that wed eventually be back and it didnt take long. The Springfield area has always embraced our competitions and, most importantly, our athletes with open arms.

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 250 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.

We hope you will join us at one of the nine Southwest Area competitions we have throughout the year. Visit SOMO.org/Southwest to find the next one.

Mark C. MussoPresident & CEO

Special Olympics Missouri

Upcoming Events

Special ThanksOur Hosts:City of SpringfieldMissouri State UniversityDrury University

Our Supporters: Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Springfield Sports Commission, Springfield Park Board, SIX Show, Home Depot, Standing Room Only, Ozark Flag Distributors, Hobbytime Motorsports

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!

Unified Relay Across America (UnifiedRelay.org)June 9-12 & 17-19 All around Missouri World Summer Games (SOMO.org/WorldGames)July 25-Aug. 2 Los Angeles, Calif.

Athlete Sports Camp (SOMO.org/Camp)June 14-19 Missouri Military Academy, Mexico

State Outdoor Games (SOMO.org/Outdoor)Sept. 25-27Jefferson CityBocce, flag football, golf, softball and tennis

Over the Edge (SOMO.org/Edge)Oct. 3 St. LouisOct. 17 Jefferson City

Schedule of eventsFriday, May 29All Day Law Enforcement Torch Run Various10:30 a.m. Volleyball Coaches Meeting Hammons Student Center (MSU)11 a.m.-3 p.m. Volleyball Hammons Student Center (MSU)11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch Hammons Student Center (MSU)3-10 p.m. Coaches Registration Plaster Student Union (MSU) 4-6 p.m. Soccer Demo Track and Field venue (MSU)4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner Blair Shannon (MSU)6-7 p.m. Young Athletes Program Track and Field Venue (MSU)7:30-9 p.m. Opening Ceremony Hammons Student Center (MSU)9 p.m. Track and Field Coaches Meeting Hammons Student Center (MSU)

Saturday, May 306-8 a.m. Breakfast Blair Shannon (MSU)7 a.m.-10 p.m. Coaches Registration Track and Field Venue (MSU)7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Track and Field competition Track and Field Venue (MSU)8:30 a.m. Aquatics Coaches Meeting Drury University Pool9 a.m. Powerlifting Coaches Meeting Hammons Student Center (MSU)9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aquatics Drury University Pool10 a.m.-4 p.m. Victory Village Bear Blvd./Outside Hammons Student Center (MSU)10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Powerlifting Hammons Student Center (MSU)11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch Aquatics (Drury), Track/ Powerlifting (Blair Shannon)

Were happy to support you and your family!

STAY CONNECTED!Sign up for text alerts! Text

SOMO to 51555 and well text you if there are urgent

announcements at our State Summer Games.

Standard messaging rates apply.

Saturday schedule continued...

Noon-4 p.m. Healthy Athletes Park Hammons Student Center (MSU)4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner Blair Shannon (MSU)7-9 p.m. Dance/Bingo Hammons Student Center (MSU)

Sunday, May 31 6-8 a.m. Breakfast Blair Shannon (MSU)7 a.m. Coaches Registration Track and Field venue (MSU)7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Track and Field competition Track and Field venue (MSU)10-11 a.m. Athlete Input Council Glass Hall (MSU)11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch Blair Shannon (MSU)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SOMO HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2014!

HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONSKnow 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.

Duke SimmonsColumbia

Larry ElrodNeosho

Linda MayOlathe,

Kan.

Missouri State Council Knights of Columbus

is honored to take part in the State Summer Games and support SOMO year-round!

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EmceesClint Gerlek from Alice 95.5 will host the evenings festivities.

Parade of AthletesJoin us as we cheer on the athletes of the 2015 State Summer Games! The parade will feature athletes and coaches from across the state. The parade will be led by the Central High School Drum and Bugle Corps Kilties.

EntertainmentAllie & the Catz will help take SOMO TO THE MAX as the main entertainment for the Opening Ceremony!

Color Guard & National AnthemThe 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 Ashley Page.

Special GuestsRobert Stephens, Springfield MayorChief Drew Juden, Missouri Police Chiefs Association President

Athletes Oath & Coachs OathLed by TJ Bray, 2015 Mr. SOMO Basketball from Lees Summit and Linda May of Olathe, Kan., a 2014 SOMO Hall of Fame inductee.

Law Enforcement Torch Run & Lighting of the Flame of HopeThe 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. Allison DAgostino, SOMOs 2014 Outstanding Athlete, and Sgt. Jeff Fugett of Missouri Highway Patrol will light the cauldron. Fugett is the winner of the 2014 Letz Award, the top award presented for unsung LETR heroic efforts.

Opening CeremonyFriday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m.Hammons Student Center (MSU)

SOMO CLASS OF 2015SOMO athletes can join

the Class of 2015 while at State Summer Games! The Class of 2015 will be raising funds to support the Training for Life Cam-pus. Incentives include:

- SOMO letter jacket (by raising $5,000)

- SOMO class of 2015 ring (by raising $2,500 or more)

- SOMO warm-ups (by raising $1,000 or more)

- SOMO Training for Life Campus hat (by raising $250 or more)

This is an amazing opportunity, and each and every one of you can do this!

We'll pair you up with donors who will help you reach your goal! These donors love seeing you try your hardest and do your best!

SOMO representatives will be at Victory Village, the dance and bingo to help athletes sign up!

YOURE ALL GOLD MEDAL

WINNERS TO US!

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Were proud to play a role in the 2015 State Summer Games. Congratulations!

The Drive It Home Raffle is back, and with a new TRUCK to boot! The Missouri Automobile Dealers Association is donating a new black 2015 Chevy Silverado! Youre going to want this truck!

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/Raffle.

SOMO is proud to announce that Missouri Automobile Dealers Association came on-board as a one of its statewide partners in 2014.

CARRY THE TORCH!

Registration to run or cycle with the torch has passed, but that doesnt mean you cant still take part in the once in a lifetime event. The Flame of Hope will come through Missouri on its way to Los Angeles for the 2015 World Games and raise money for the Special Olympics movement. Come out to a host city event near you to enjoy nationally-renowned entertainment and meet SOMO athletes who will represent Team USA at the World Games! For more info, visit www.SOMO.org.

Missouri EventsJune 9 -- St. Louis: Drunken Fish Restaurant

(inside Ballpark Village), 7-10 p.m. ($35)June 11 -- Jefferson City: Millbottoms Building

(400 W. Main), 7:30-10 p.m. ($30) June 17 -- Kansas City: Kauffman Stadium tailgate before Roy-

als/Brewers game, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ($45 includes game ticket)June 18 -- Springfield: Jordan Valley Park & Hammons Field, 5-7 p.m. ($30 includes game ticket to Springfield Cardinals)

www.UnifiedRelay.org

WANT TO WIN SOME FREE SOMO GEAR?

Heres what you need to do:1. Post three separate photos on Instagram of you doing the following: You and your coach(es) You and a (group of) volunteer(s) You and another (group of) athlete(s)2. Tag SOMO (@SOMissouri) on all three photos3. Include this weekends official hashtag #SOMOtotheMAX on all three photos Take proof of your posting to Instagram to the volunteer check-in table at the corner of Bear Blvd. and John Q. Hammons Parkway anytime during the weekend to receive your prize!

Saturday, May 30 Hammons Student Center (MSU)Noon-4 p.m.

FUNFITNESSA 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 SMILESDentists and hygienists provide one-on-one instruction on proper tooth 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 HEARINGAs 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.

MEDFESTMedFest is a screening program that facilitates the required standard sports physical examination for current and prospective Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics Missouri requires that all athletes who want to participate must be examined by a physician or trained medical professional who completes the medical certification section of the Athlete Registration Form.

Healthy Athletes ParkThe 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.

We are very excited to offer these disciplines and look forward to the opportunities that this will pro-vide for our athletes this year and into the future. A huge thanks goes out to everyone involved in mak-ing this a success each and every year.

Congratulations to Cheyenne Blackston of Columbia and TJ Bray of Lees Summit for being named Mr. and Mrs.

SOMO Basketball. They are pictured at right with Missouri Basketball Coaches Association President Bill Gunn.

7

HELP ATHLETES GET OFF THE SIDELINES AND INTO THE GAME! SIGN UP TO COACH!

If you are interested in making an indelible difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, becom-ing a Special Olympics Missouri coach is a unique way to do so. Our coaches inspire greatness in each of our athletes by sharing their spirit and skills.

Regardless of whether youve coached before or have little sports-based knowledge, you can be the inspiration for Special Olympics athletes. We provide training in the sport, tips to help you coach your team and a simple certification process that makes it easy for you to get started. Opportuni-ties are also available for volunteers who are experienced in a particular sport, but havent coached before.

For more info on coaching, visit www.SOMO.org/Coach!

The 2015 World Games will be held in Los Angeles, Calif., July 25-Aug. 2.

The Missouri portion of Team USA will be comprised of 14 ath-letes (13 softball and one tennis) and five coaches.

Athletes won gold at a 2014 state competition in the event that they applied for and have been involved for a minimum of three years in our program.

They also qualified after taking part in a Selection Camp in July. To follow along with the team as they compete in Los Angeles, visit www.SOMO.org/WorldGames before, during and after the Games and keep an eye out for information as it becomes available.

Nintendo GAME BOY

7Special events

FANWEAR

Saturday, May 30Bear Blvd., MSU Campus 10 A.M.-4 p.M. VICTORy VILLAGE Please join us at Victory Village for a variety of fun activities such as: inflatable games, face paint, police cars, Southwest Dairy ice cream, lawn games, music, crafts and much more! Special per-formances by point performing Arts Dance at 10 a.m., Holden Childress and Noah Brown at noon and SIX from Branson at 1 p.m. If youre an athlete, be sure to sign up for the Class of 2015 (more about this on page 21)!

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! Itll be an 80s-themed party, so be ready for some fun with a black light!

Sunday, May 31Glass Hall, MSU Campus 10-11 A.M. ATHLETE INpUT COUNCILBecause 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 Glass Hall (No. 14 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 feed-back on what went well at the 2015 State Summer Games and what improvements we can make for 2016. We havent had one of these in a while, so make sure youre there and bring several of your athlete friends with ideas to share!

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 296-9 p.m. Opening Ceremony Saturday, May 30 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Victory Village7 p.m.-9 p.m. Dance/Bingo Sunday, May 318 a.m.-noon Track and Field Venue

Where should I park? Volunteers, fans and teams staying off campus: MSU Lot 44, Bear Park North or Bear Park South Cars and vans for teams staying on campus: MSU Lot 25 GMT members and event managers: MSU Lot 15 Aquatics venue: Drury University Lot 7 For a detailed map on where these lots are located, see pages 12-13 in this guide.

Are there concessions?Concession stands with snacks and drinks will be available to fans for purchase at the following locations:

Drury University PoolMay 30

MSU Track and Field VenueMay 30-31

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 2015 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 campuses of Missouri State University and Drury University. This policy also applies to electronic cigarettes.

SOMO FAN FAQ

SIMON

History of the Torch Run The vision of the LETR was brought to life by Col. Ralph Biele, retired, of the 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 2014, Missouris law enforcement fundraising efforts earned the No. 7 ranking in the world!

This years runMore than 2,100 runners (MOST EVER!) participated in the 2015 Torch Run from May 18-29. 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 believeToday 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 and 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 2015 is $2.6 million!

A special thanks goes to Smiths Restaurant for providing the food at the 2015 State Summer Games Law Enforcement Torch Run Dinner.

MISSOURI

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)

Track & FieldCompetition Schedule

MSU Track and Field Venue

SATU

RD

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

Board of Directors

Dr. Phillip Cook; Chairman, Carl Junction

Don Spears; Vice Chairman, Belton

Gary Wilbers; Secretary, Jefferson City

Dr. Lee Ann Barrett; Treasurer, Boonville

Randy Reddick; Immediate Past Chairman, Bethalto, Ill.

Richard Banahan, St. Louis

Linda Brokamp, Columbia

Robb Eichelberger, Boonville

Roger Gardner, Jefferson City

Brad Grill, Kansas City

Eric Hymas, St. Louis

Dave Keune, Ellisville

Roger Kurtz, Jefferson City

Colleen Lamond, Columbia

Dr. Rolanda Maxim Gott, St. Louis

Jared Niemeyer, Edina

David Pudlowski, Eureka

Melissa Vighi, St. Louis

Bea Webb, Kansas City

Marty Willadsen, Battlefield

Amy Wurst, Kansas City

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AquaticsCompetition Schedule

Drury UniversitySATURDAY 8:30 a.m. Coaches Meeting & warm-up 9:15 a.m. 10/15/25-meter floatation race, 10/15-meter unassisted/assisted swim, 15-meter walk, 800/1500-meter freestyle10 a.m. 25-meter freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke10:45 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

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 2015 State Summer Games a wonderful success! THANK YOU!

Zim Schwartze, Chair

Rick Britain, Athlete Representative

Games Management Team

Missouri State University Debbie LettermanLaree Moore

Competition Richard HackettJason HiteRoger Wallenburg

Development/ Honored Guest Ashton MayLance KetteringMelanie LuskSue GeorgeEric SlatinskyRhonda JasinskiNicole GreenCindy Watterson

Meals MSUTony Hein

Opening CeremonyKeith BoazJermaine HendersonLiz ForbesBetsy BridgersAaron Bridgers

VolunteersEmily ReyesEmily StephanGretchen MiekleyLetitia WhiteKala MillerSherri Hankins

Law Enforcement Torch RunMark PriebeJeff FugettJeff Coonrod

public Relations/ SignageJacob ConklinShannon SchaefferMike Howland

Housing MSUDenise Baumann

Healthy Athletes/ Victory Village/DanceJacob ConklinAndrea GreenWhitney DurrKatie BurrowsBrandi PersingerMegan OLeary

Awards/Special EventsRebecca Woodard

Sound SystemMike & Julie Wiloughby

VIEWMASTER

PowerliftingCompetition Schedule

Hammons Student Center (MSU)

VolleyballCompetition Schedule

Hammons Student Center (MSU)

SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. Weigh-in10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Powerlifting competition

FRIDAY 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Volleyball competition

Good Luck, Athletes!

From all of your friends at the Missouri Association of Student

Councils. You are our inspiration!

ETCH-A-SKE

TCH

TRACK & FIELD (MSU)