The mission of Special Olympics Iowa is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities giving them continued opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Throughout the year, Special Olympics athletes are training and competing in any of the 23 Olympic-type sports offered. Fall sports include bowling, flag football and volleyball and Winter sports are ice skating, Nordic and alpine skiing, snowshoeing, basketball, power lifting, gymnastics, and cheerleading. During the spring the sports include aquatics, athletics (track and field), cycling, tennis, bocce, roller skating and soccer. Summer sports include equestrian, golf and softball. These programs are provided free of charge to all participants. Through Special Olympics, the athletes develop physical fitness; gain confidence in their own abilities and demonstrate courage through their perseverance to succeed. As athletes gain new skills on the playing field and they become more active and involved in sports, their health and fitness continues to benefit. The impact of Special Olympics extends beyond sports. It gives family members hope, optimism, stronger family connections, and a social network who understand their concerns and their joys.