Special Olympics South Dakota Newsletter

October 27 2026

Bowling Is Right Up Our Alley

Click on the Lane Maps below to find where your favorite Athlete is bowling. Look for the Traditional Bowling Program in next week’s NEWSWORTHY.

Thursday Lane Map	Friday Lane Map	Saturday Lane Map
Sunday Lane Map	Schedule of Events

DJs Zerr and Kvanli are taking over the dance at State Traditional Bowling this year and are looking for great (and appropriate) songs to play!

Click Here to select your favorite party and dance songs! Feel free to request multiple songs.

Bowling experience is not required. Giving high-fives, however, is strongly recommended.

Dates: November 6, 7, & 8, 2026

Location: Village Bowl, Aberdeen

Time: Various Shifts

Click for more information and to register.

World Kindness Day Will Be Here Soon!

Friday November 13th is a day for the world to make kindness the norm! Special Olympics South Dakota will see over 100 schools participate with nearly 25,000 Kindness Cards being shared among students, faculty, and staff.

This year’s cards feature the phrase: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”. With students always being reminded that they can do and be anything, this serves as a reminder that kindness is always an option.

Each school will design their own activities around this event. Pre & Elementary schools may have students write or draw notes of kindness and attach them to a “Kindness Tree”. Middle and High schools may prompt students to write something kind to students at the other school. Colleges will also host activities within their clubs and even bands!

This global event was established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of non-governmental organizations from across the globe. Its goal is to highlight good deeds, promote acts of kindness, and encourage a global culture of goodwill.

Kindness Cards are still available! Email JFerro@sosd.org to make a request.

We hope you’re able to spread kindness on November 13th!

Athlete Leadership Council (ALC) Interest Survey

Athlete Leadership empowers Athletes to take on meaningful leadership roles in Special Olympics South Dakota and their communities.

If you are interested in serving on the ALC, please complete this survey.

ALC Survey

ATTENTION BLACK HILLS AREA FRIENDS

The seasonal flu and COVID-19 are both highly contagious respiratory illnesses that can lead to serious complications. Choosing to get vaccinated is one of the best ways to help keep you and your loved ones protected during respiratory season.

Your favorite Black Hills Area Sports Director and pharmacist, Carrie Gerdeman, would like to help you get your vaccinations!

Visit Carrie at Walgreens 1125 N. Lacrosse St., Rapid City

Covid shots are available. Medicare or any insurance can be billed for the vaccine.

Flu Shots are available. Most insurances cover the vaccines including Medicare. If you do not have insurance, free vouchers are available.

Vaccinations are available from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday.

Please schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.

ATTENTION ATHLETES

If the statements below describe you, we encourage you to apply to be a Fitness Captain!

> Have a passion for fitness, exercise, and healthy behaviors and can model this for your teammates

> Act as a positive influence with your teammates

> Are reliable, dependable, and respectful always

> Show great sportsmanship in all circumstances and have a great attitude

> Genuinely care about those around you

> Can effectively communicate with your teammates and Coaches

Click to learn more

Click to apply

Training will be held December 8 & 10, 2026

Applications close November 11th

ATTENTION COACHES

Do you Coach Athlete’s who would excel in the role of a Fitness Captain?

Click to learn more

Nominate them Here

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

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.

Click Here for Website

Athlete Sport Handbooks

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.

Click to learn more