SD Special Olympics Newsletter

May 13 2025

Please show your love for Special Olympics by nominating the deserving people in your life for an SOSD Outstanding Award!

Spirit of a Champion (Outstanding Athlete)

Don Baker Award (Highest Honor)

Outstanding Family

Ron Stewart Award (Outstanding Coach)

Lyle Farrand Award (Outstanding Volunteer)

DJ Mertens Champion Award (Outstanding Business or Organization)

Unity Award

Voting closes on May 22, 2025, and will only be accepted electronically

The results are in for Week 1 of our Step Challenge.

If you are registered for the Challenge but forgot to enter your steps, it’s not too late.

Look for my email every Monday and get credit for your efforts!

Nick Mills

Health Messenger

Thanks for stopping, Dr. Chaudhari

SOSD Team Members Siddharth Mehta, Turner Gaines, John McHale, Dr. Ramesh Bhai J. Chaudhari, President/CEO Darryl Nordquist

As vast as the world may seem, we are more connected than we realize.

Today at the State Office, we had the delightful surprise of an unexpected visit from Dr. Ramesh Bhai J. Chaudhari. During our conversation, we learned that Dr. Chaudhari is in Sioux Falls visiting his son, Ravi, who manages a hotel in the area. When they came across our office, they were excited to stop by and learn a little about us.

Dr. Chaudhari has served as an Area Director for Special Olympics Bharat-Gujarat since 2000. The role of an Area Director in India differs significantly from ours; for example, the state of Gujarat has a population of 63.8 million people.

We were thrilled to introduce our guests to our own Siddharth Mehta, who also hails from India. With India being comprised of 28 states and having 22 official languages, it was quite a coincidence that both Mehta and our guests hail from the state of Gujarat and speak the same language.

Today served as a reminder of the positive impact Special Olympics makes all over the world!

SPORTS

Experience the joy first-handed… Volunteer Here!

State Summer Games First-Ever Block Party!

Get ready for State Summer Games this year by joining us as we kick off with a Block Party and YOU’RE INVITED!

Whether you’re a Special Olympics athlete, Unified partner, family member, or just someone who loves to have a good time, this is perfect for you!

You’ll enjoy mouthwatering food (from burgers to pizza), music, games and fun activities, local vendors, and so much more!

Fill out the form below to let us know you’re coming!

Let Us Know You’re Coming!

IN OTHER NEWS

Click for Brochure

Click to Register

2025 YOUTH GOLF PROGRAM

First Tee invites all Special Olympics athletes in the Sioux Falls area who are aged 7 to 18 to attend a FREE summer golf program.

Hurry… only 12 spots are available.

Click here for more information

and to register.

Our Friends at Best Buddies South Dakota Invite you to their event on May 24, 2025.

We hope you can attend!

2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run Schedule

The Flame of Hope is being lit once again this year! And we’re excited to bring the heat to your community!

Tuesday, May 27th:

Pierre Athlete Walk: 5:30 PM

Wednesday, May 28th:

Pierre Law Enforcement Academy RUN: 6:30 AM
Huron: 10:30 AM
Madison: 1:30 PM
Watertown: 4:00 PM

Thursday, May 29th

Brookings: 9:00 AM
Sioux Falls: 11:00 AM
Buddies & Co. (Brandon) Meet & Greet: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Vermillion Final Leg: 5:30 PM

Come cheer or join our incredible officers and athletes as they carry the Flame of Hope, spreading awareness and support for Special Olympics!

Click Here for Maps and Posters

Chase the Ace

Last week, number 51 was drawn and it was the 8 of Hearts. The JACKPOT is now up to $55,776 split 50/50 with Special Olympics South Dakota and the person who finds the Ace of Spades!

Get your tickets or learn how to play by clicking the button below or Venmo: @SOSD-Darryl-Nordquist, please put what number you think the Ace of Spades is under.

Purchase TIckets

Want your delegation to get involved with Chase the Ace and make it your delegation’s fundraiser?

You can! All you have to do is hang the Chase the Ace flyers in your area, promote via social media and share with your network. Be sure to share that your delegation will receive credit for your sales! You can find an example flyer below:

Chase the Ace Delegation Flyer