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Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) Partnership

The Missouri Knights of Columbus are proud to serve as an Official Statewide Sponsor of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). Through our shared values of dignity, community, and joy, we actively champion the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Our Shared Mission

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These opportunities allow athletes to:

  • Develop physical fitness and demonstrate raw courage.

  • Experience pure joy and competitive sportsmanship.

  • Share their unique gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, fellow athletes, and the wider community.

The Athlete Oath -  "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

A Legacy of Global & Local Impact

Since its founding in 1968, Special Olympics has grown into a world leader in public health and advocacy through several core pillars:

  • Unified Activities: Fostering community by encouraging family and peer participation directly in sports.

  • Young Athlete Programs: Introducing children aged 2–7 to the foundational joy of play and sports.

  • Athlete Leadership Program: Teaching critical life skills, including public speaking and job-preparedness.

  • Healthy Athlete Program: Serving as the world's largest public health initiative tailored specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Competitions begin in our local neighborhoods and progress through Area, District, Regional, and State levels every year, culminating globally at the USA Games and World Games every four years.

The Missouri Knights’ $75,000 Commitment

Our state council maintains a proud $75,000 annual commitment to directly fund SOMO’s Indoor, Summer, and Outdoor State Games. Local councils are recognized annually for their exceptional volunteer hours and financial support, earning Gold, Silver, or Bronze supporter designations.

How Your Council Can Take Action

1. Designate Your Turnaround Funds - A highly effective way to meet your charitable goals is to designate your turnaround funds from the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Drive (The Tootsie Roll Drive) directly to SOMO.

2. Lock In Supreme Council Matching Funds  - The Supreme Council provides crucial matching funds to our state based directly on the volunteer hours and donations recorded on the Form 10784 Fraternal Program Reports Form.

  • Every Council Counts: Even if your council was unable to financially support SOMO this fraternal year, submitting your volunteer time via this form helps the entire state qualify for matching funds.

  • How to File: You can quickly fill out and submit your report online via the official Form 10784 Link.

3. Compete for the Special Olympics Medal Awards - The top three councils in the state that contribute the most financially to SOMO/TLC (calculated on a per-member basis) will be honored with a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Olympic Medal Award live at the State Convention.

Leadership & Contact Information

If your council is planning a major donation and would like to coordinate a memorable check presentation with local SOMO athletes in attendance, please reach out to our state chairman.

For program information, event volunteering, and check presentation coordination.
Gary Beussink, Special Olympics Chairman
Phone: 573-382-4002

For Specific SOMO donation instructions and fund routing:
Jerry Herbert, Columbian Charities Treasurer
Phone: 314-650-7617