September 09 2025

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Greetings From South Dakota

A highlight for athletes and coaches who attend USA and World Game is to trade state pins. Since the 1970’s, a new pin has been designed every 4 years.

This past April, the task of choosing our design was given to our ALC. They were presented 8 options then asked to vote on their favorite. Before the vote could be finalized, Correna spoke up offering an alternative design. It was a prairie scene featuring Mt. Rushmore and a buffalo. Immediately there was a great deal of enthusiasm for her offering… ALC members LOVED IT!

Recently Correna and I shared the following discussion.

Correna: I wanted it to represent South Dakota, so I did a bunch of research. I found other possibilities, but Mt. Rushmore was the most obvious answer. I really liked the buffalo as well. Buffalo are a sacred animal to Native Americans. As a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe the buffalo really spoke to me.

Johna: What other design possibilities did you consider?

Johna: Why was it important to you to share your design?

Correna: As an athlete leader, it’s important to me to contribute to Special Olympics. Having a voice and demonstrating leadership is what we are taught to do on the Athlete Leadership Council.

Johna: Your pin will end up all over the US. How does that make you feel?

Correna: Proud and excited. Getting acknowledged for my work is awesome!

Much gratitude to Pinprosplus for sponsoring our Trading Pin!

2026 Special Olympics USA Games Introduces First-Ever Live Mascot: Champ the Golden Retriever

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is unleashing its newest team member, Champ, a golden retriever therapy dog who will serve as the official mascot and four-legged ambassador for the USA Games.

Champ comes to the USA Games from North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners, a leader in the Twin Cities therapy animal community. Anecdotal research shows therapy dogs can significantly reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being, particularly in high-energy, high-stakes environments. During the 2026 USA Games, Champ will provide athletes with emotional support, companionship and encouragement in the moments that matter most. Her presence offers proven benefits: reduced anxiety, stronger connection and a constant reminder that inclusion is a daily practice.

In addition to providing emotional support at sporting competitions, Champ will be a key figure at partner activations for the 2026 USA Games, including UnitedHealthcare’s sensory spaces, which will be located on the University of Minnesota campus during the week of the Games. Read more here.

SONA Move Challenge Informational Webinar for Athletes

September 25 at 5:30p CT / 4:30p MT

Join the SONA Health team as they host a webinar for athletes interested in the SONA Move Challenge. The SONA Move Challenge is open to all athletes and will run from October 13 through December 8, helping to increase fitness and support mental health, all while having fun.

Come on, athletes of Special Olympics South Dakota, we want YOU to participate in this Challenge. Click here to learn what’s next.

Click To Register

Hello Soccer Stars Families,

We’ve loved seeing the joy, laughter, and friendships that come alive each time we gather on the field. From goals scored to high-fives shared, Soccer Stars has always been about more than soccer—it’s about fun, inclusion, and community.

Now it’s time to get ready for another exciting season, starting September 10th!

Whether your player is eager to score goals or simply enjoy time with friends, we can’t wait to see those smiles back out on the field.

Don’t miss out—register today and secure your spot for the new season of Soccer Stars!

https://www.dakotaalliancesoccer.com/soccer-stars

Your Race, Your Pace is an event for the community to come together, and for each individual to succeed. It’s for ALL abilities, ALL athletes, to ALL achieve their goals. This is a unique race with multiple route options empowering and celebrating each participant from the avid to adaptive runner and everyone in between. Whether athletes walk, run, jog, or wheel to the finish line, they will be given a medal; they are champions for finishing their race at their pace.

Date: September 27, 2025

Location: Wylie Park – Aberdeen

Start time: 9:30 AM

Click For Details

Gaming for Inclusion Returns

Registration Deadline: September 15

Gaming for Inclusion is back! Registration is now open for all Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners to participate. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, September 15. Match Instructions can be found here. Athletes and Unified partners will compete in a Unified Rocket League tournament on either September 16 or 18, 2025 at 5p ET on PlayVS Stadium. The winners of this tournament will have the chance to compete in the Showcase on Friday, October 3. These two events will be recorded and then broadcast on Xbox’s Twitch channels on October 14.

Click here for the new registration process.

22nd Annual Truck Convoy for Special Olympics South Dakota

Friday, September 19

Saturday, September 20

W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

100 N Lyon Blvd

Sioux Falls, SD 57107

Google Maps

Please join us for the 22nd Annual Truck Convoy for Special Olympics South Dakota to celebrate the trucking industry, partners, and law enforcement working together to raise funds for Special Olympics South Dakota.