Rock Valley Iowa — Peggy Koele, the Northwest area Special Olympics Iowa director is retiring after 38 Years with Special Olympics Iowa. Special Olympics Iowa is known throughout the state to have dedicated and loyal volunteers who serve as leaders for the organization and Peggy is certainly no exception. For more than 38 years she has faithfully supported the Special Olympics movement while making a tremendous impact on local Special Olympics delegations and local communities.
Peggy was first introduced to Special Olympics in 1977, when she accompanied a Hope Haven student to a Special Olympics event. Peggy spends time teaching the students how to participate and excel in basketball, bowling and track and field. “I love to watch the effort they put into competing,” she said. “They put their whole heart into it.” Her favorite athletics event is the 4X100 meter relay, because “four athletes have to work together and encourage one another.”
Koele’s accomplishments as a Special Olympics Iowa volunteer include filling the role of area director for 20 years, serving as the 2006 Special Olympics USA Games Bowling Sports Commissioner and she continues to coach students and serve as the program manager for the Rock Valley School District. As the area director, Peggy ensured that quality Special Olympics sports training programs and athletic competitions were available to all eligible individuals in the area. She planned, implemented and managed all area competitions while raising funds to support and meet the financial needs of the area. Peggy also recruited, orientated and trained volunteers, including husband Glenn and sons Gregg and Garry, who assisted with the sports competitions held in the area.
Key volunteers return event after event to support the athletes and their families while showing appreciation for Koele’s guidance and direction. Throughout the year, Koele emphasizes the importance of athletes training and competing year round to develop physically, gain self-confidence and reach their full potential while developing team spirit. She continues to serve as a mentor for countless Special Olympics athletes and volunteers.
