We are the Sioux City Knights, a Special Olympics Iowa delegation that was founded in December 2012 with just 5 athletes and 2 sports. Our delegation was created to fill the void left after athletes graduated the local school systems and/or did not have a Special Olympics team in their current schools. Since our inception we have grown to over 170 athletes, ages 8 and older, with year-round training in 17 sports.
Basketball
Our athletes come from all around the greater Sioux City, Iowa area and attend regional competitions throughout the year, and state competitions in September, November, March, May and August. Our athletes consistently medal in the sport of their choice, with many competing in multiple sports. Last year we had 2 athletes attend National Games in Seattle. One competed in tennis and the other in power lifting. In addition, we participate in local events and provide social opportunities for our athletes. We do all of this with no cost to the athlete or their family/support system.
We have been fortunate that the various venues we train at have not charged us for the use of their facilities. However we incur costs for uniforms, equipment, travel, bowling etc. For example in March more than 50 athletes, coaches and chaperons will travel to Iowa City for the Mid-Winter Tournament. Our athletes will compete in team basketball, basketball skills, cheer, dance and power lifting. This overnight trip will cost us around $7000. Our cost for a one day trip to Ankeny for the State Softball tournament last year was nearly $2000. The cost for each athlete to bowl for practice leading up to our district and state bowling competitions cost us over $3000.
We are a volunteer driven organization and no one in our delegation receives pay for the many hours they put in for training, fund-raising etc.
While we are part of Special Olympics Iowa and fall under their 501c3 status, we receive limited funds from them through 2 grants per year. The bulk of our operations falls upon us and local fund-raising. While we support Special Olympics Iowa in events like the Siouxland Polar Plunge and the Taco John’s Nachos Navidad campaign, these funds go straight to the state office.
We have been able to provide these years of service to our growing population of athletes through the dedication and hard work of our parents, coaches and supporters by having various local fundraisers.
We are always seeking help in securing cash donations for our delegation.
A tax deductible receipt will be given for all donations. Please consider how your organization might be able to help. You can mail a donation to SC Knights, P.O. Box 1055, Sioux City, Iowa 51102.
Sue Davis
Delegation Manager