Let me win.

But if I cannot win, let me be

BRAVE

in the attempt.
Athletes Oath

#SOMOToTheMAX
STAY CONNECTED:
WORDPRESS (SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI)
FACEBOOK (SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI)
TWITTER (@SOMISSOURI)
FLICKR (SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI)
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 weekend, youll receive a prize!

1001 Diamond Ridge, Suite 800

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

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI

STATE SUMMER
SUMMER GAMES
GAMES
STATE
SPRINGFIELD 2015

Good luck,
athletes!

is proud
to support

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!

CONGRATS ON
GETTING HERE AND
GOOD LUCK THIS
WEEKEND!

Upcoming
Events
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. 25-27
Jefferson City
Bocce, flag football, golf, softball and tennis

Over the Edge (SOMO.org/Edge)

Oct. 3 St. Louis
Oct. 17 Jefferson City

Special Thanks

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.

Our Supporters:

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.

Our Volunteers:

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.

Our Hosts:

City of Springfield
Missouri State University
Drury University
Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau,
Springfield Sports Commission, Springfield Park Board,
SIX Show, Home Depot, Standing Room Only, Ozark
Flag Distributors, Hobbytime Motorsports
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!

Mark C. Musso
President & CEO
Special Olympics Missouri

Schedule
of events
Friday, May 29

All Day
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Various
10:30 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)

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, May 30

6-8 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 Pool
9 a.m. Powerlifting Coaches Meeting

Hammons Student Center (MSU)
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aquatics
Drury University Pool
10 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!

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

Missouri State Council

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

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)
XX
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XXX

XX
X X X X XX
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XXX

Congratulations
to the SOMO Hall of
Fame Class of 2014!

Duke
Simmons
Columbia

Larry Elrod
Neosho

Linda May
Olathe,
Kan.

Hall of Fame Nominations

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.

Opening
Ceremony

Friday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Hammons Student Center (MSU)

YOURE ALL
GOLD MEDAL
WINNERS TO US!

Emcees

Clint Gerlek from Alice 95.5 will host the evenings

festivities.

Parade of Athletes

Join 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.

Entertainment

Allie & the Catz will help take SOMO TO THE MAX 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
Ashley Page.

Special Guests

Robert Stephens, Springfield Mayor

Chief Drew Juden, Missouri Police Chiefs Association
President

Athletes Oath & Coachs Oath

Led 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 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. 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.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Were proud to play a role

in the 2015 State Summer
Games. Congratulations!

SOMO CLASS OF 2015

SOMO 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 Campus. 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!

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 photos
3. 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!

carry
the
torch!
www.UnifiedRelay.org
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 Events

June 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 Royals/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)

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.

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.

We are very excited to offer these disciplines and

look forward to the opportunities that this will provide for our athletes this year and into the future. A
huge thanks goes out to everyone involved in making this a success each and every year.

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

funfitness

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
Dentists 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.

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, becoming 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. Opportunities 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 25Aug. 2.
The Missouri portion of Team
USA will be comprised of 14 athletes (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.

Healthy Hearing

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.

MedFest

Nintendo GAME BOY

MedFest 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.

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.

SOMO FAN FAQ

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:

Special events
Saturday, May 30
Bear 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 performances 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.

Drury University Pool

May 30
MSU Track and Field Venue
May 30-31

7-9 p.m. Dance

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.
SIMON

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 31
Glass Hall, MSU Campus

10-11 A.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 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 feedback 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!

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 29
6-9 p.m. Opening Ceremony

Saturday, May 30
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Victory Village
Dance/Bingo

Sunday, May 31
8 a.m.-noon

Track and Field Venue

Law Enforcement
Torch Run (LETR)
History of the
Torch Run

The vision of the LETR was

brought to life by Col. Ralph Biele,
retired, of the Missouri State
MISSOURI
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 run

More 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 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
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.

Track & Field

Board of
Directors
SUNDAY

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
long-range financial stability of the organization.
Thank you to these key volunteers, who serve
SOMO 365 days a year.

Competition Schedule
MSU Track and Field Venue

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

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

SATURDAY

Brad Grill, Kansas City

SUNDAY (LOW MOTOR EVENTS)

Games
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
2015 State Summer Games a wonderful success! THANK
YOU!

Zim Schwartze, Chair

Rick Britain, Athlete Representative
Missouri State
University

Debbie Letterman
Laree Moore

Competition

Richard Hackett
Jason Hite
Roger Wallenburg

Aquatics

VIEWMASTER

Competition Schedule
Drury University

SATURDAY

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
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

Development/
Honored Guest
Ashton May
Lance Kettering
Melanie Lusk
Sue George
Eric Slatinsky
Rhonda Jasinski
Nicole Green
Cindy Watterson

Law Enforcement
Torch Run
Mark Priebe
Jeff Fugett
Jeff Coonrod

Public Relations/
Signage
Jacob Conklin
Shannon Schaeffer
Mike Howland

Housing MSU
Denise Baumann

Healthy Athletes/
Victory Village/Dance

Tony Hein

Jacob Conklin
Andrea Green
Whitney Durr
Katie Burrows
Brandi Persinger
Megan OLeary

Opening Ceremony

Awards/Special Events

Meals MSU

Keith Boaz
Jermaine Henderson
Liz Forbes
Betsy Bridgers
Aaron Bridgers

Volunteers

Emily Reyes
Emily Stephan
Gretchen Miekley
Letitia White
Kala Miller
Sherri Hankins

Rebecca Woodard

Sound System

Mike & Julie Wiloughby

Powerlifting

Competition Schedule
Hammons Student Center (MSU)

SATURDAY
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Weigh-in
Powerlifting competition

Volleyball

Competition Schedule
Hammons Student Center (MSU)

FRIDAY

Good Luck,
Athletes!
From all of your friends at the
Missouri Association of Student
Councils. You are our inspiration!

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Volleyball competition

TRACK & FIELD (MSU)

ETCH

-A-SK

ETCH