Program host, Willard Jenkins introduced Dr. Joseph L. Wilson, UNI Associate Professor who presented a program called "Special Olympics of Northeast Iowa". Dr. Wilson showed a slide show highlighting activities for intellectually disabled citizens of Iowa. These activities included: Fall soccer in the UNI-Dome, Bowling at Maple Lanes in October, Roller Skating at the Beaver Hills gym in November, Basketball Skills at the UNI PEC in February, the Spring Games in March and Challenge Day in April for severely disabled participants. Every participant recieves a ribbon. Blue ribbon winners advance to the state games.
Dr. Wilson also told us about the two big events hosted by the Special Olympics each year: the State Winter Games at Sundown Ski Resort in Dubuque and the Iowa State Summer Games hosted at Iowa State University in Ames.
Dr. Wilson expressed that they operate on a budget of $25,000 and serve over 600 intellectually disabled individuals in NE Iowa. All funding is provided by sponsors. Special Olympics recently lost two major donors and is seeking additional sponsors.
Dr. Wilson can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
