Special Olympics South Dakota Newsletter

September 08 2026

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Fall Classic, Rapid City – September 18-20
Northeast Area Bowling, Aberdeen – October 9
Black Hills Area Bowling, Rapid City – October 9
State Traditional Bowling, Aberdeen – November 6-8

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

In 2014, Mikey Kocer had just moved to Sioux Falls. “I didn’t really know anyone,” said Kocer. “I started hanging out with Cort Hansen and Seth Pierce. Both Cort and Seth were Unified partners for the Sioux Falls Fireworks. I didn’t really know what being a Unified partner was, but if my only two friends were up for it, I was too.”

Fast-forward 12 years and 32 events later, Mikey now has many friends but is still a Unified partner. If he’s not on the basketball court, bocce pitch, or softball field competing, you will find him on the bench coaching. “A few years ago, I was coaching Ashley Clark’s basketball team,” said Kocer. “She told me she wanted to bowl Unified but didn’t have a partner. Immediately I had someone in mind.” Enter Mikey’s mom, Rita.

According to Kocer, “With Ashley’s outgoing, bubbly personality and my mom’s fun-loving heart, I knew they would be a perfect fit.” He was right. This fall will mark the 4th season Rita and Ashley have been bowling partners. This will also be the first year this dynamic duo has teamed up for Bocce.

I asked Ashley what she likes most about Rita. She responded, “Everything! She’s so kind and fun.” When asked the same question, Rita glowed, “Ashley is the most social person I have ever met and also the most genuine. If she asks you how you are, she really wants to know how you are.” Rita added with a laugh, “That’s why I call her Homecoming Queen!”

I asked Rita to share her feelings about Special Olympics. “I have become a better person through my friendship with Ashley and my association with Special Olympics. It brings people together. It brings communities together.”

This past June, Mikey and Rita made the trek to Minneapolis to take in some competition and to watch Ashley compete in the 2026 USA Games. When asked to summarize this experience, Rita said, “It was a great day!”

Click to Register

Introducing our Center of Excellence Portal (COE)

The COE is our new online system where volunteers, coaches, and Unified partners will manage their Special Olympics South Dakota experience.

Recently, many of you received an email from Special Olympics (Do Not Reply) with the subject Come do more with us at Special Olympics South Dakota. (I know, this looks a little suspicious, but rest assured it is us).

Simply open the email and follow the instructions. Once completed, you will be able to sign-up to volunteer, complete required training courses, and much, much more!

If you did not receive an email, or if you need additional support, Click Here.

Still having trouble?

Call: 605.331.4117 and ask for either Haley or Jill

Email: forms@sosd.org

Plunge	Location	Date
Elk Point-Jefferson Plunge	Elk Point School	Friday, October 2

More Information

INFO LIBRARY

START YOUR SPECIAL OLYMPICS JOURNEY HERE

If you are new to Special Olympics South Dakota and looking for a Delegation,

or if you are interested in changing your Delegation, Click Here to get started!

This link can also be found on the SOSD website.

2026

Dance Themes

The Accessible IEP, LLC is a company dedicated to assisting families with navigating the world of Special Education.

Click Here to learn more.

Athlete Sport Handbooks

Equestrian

Bocce

Softball

Click Here for Website

Our mission is to strengthen our community through social programming for both families of a child with a disability as well as individuals with disabilities themselves.

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