Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. SOIA has served Iowans with intellectual disabilities since 1968. SOIA provides training and competitions in 22 sports for more than 13,000 athletes representing each of Iowa's 99 counties. SOIA makes a positive difference in the lives of athletes, their families and communities with more than 15,000 individuals and 2,000 certified coaches who volunteer to participate in the programs.