Area 12

Area Events

Counties » Ottawa, Allegan

Sports » Alpine Skiing, Aquatics, Athletics (Track and Field), Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cross Country Skiing, Cycling, Flag Football, Gymnastics, Horseshoes, Poly Hockey, Snowshoeing, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Weightlifting

Total Athletes » 485

Area 12 Director: Mark Dalman

On this page, you will find information about our area, upcoming events.

If you have questions about Area 12, please contact

Area Director Mark Dalman (616) 312-9906 or area12@somi.org
Asst Area Director Arlene Salik arlenesalik@aol.com

Softball - contact Area 12 Softball Coordinators:

Nora Swart nora.swart@lmcu.org

Soccer - contact Area 12 Soccer Coordinator:

Sandy Marlink

Poly Hockey - contact Area 12 Poly Hockey Coordinator:

Arlene Salik

Swimming - contact Area 12 Swimming Coordinator:

Brian Marlink

Basketball - contact Area 12 Basketball Coordinator:

Jerry Zeerip

All other sports contact Mark Dalman or Arlene Salik.

What is Special Olympics?

Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with disabilities. It began in 1968 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the First International Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The concept was born in the early 1960s when Mrs.Shriver started a day camp for people with disabilities. She saw that people with disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought. There are now accredited Special Olympics programs in more than 190 countries and more are continually being developed. In the United States, there are about 25,000 communities with Special Olympics programs.

What is the meaning/significance of the Special Olympics logo?

The Special Olympics logo has gone through several changes in its lifetime. The original "stick figure" (now the Official Symbol) is an abstract but humanistic form designed to convey the impression of movement and activity. The logo is a symbol of growth, confidence and joy among children and adults with disabilities who are learning coordination, mastering skills, participating in competitions and preparing themselves for richer, more productive lives. The spherical appearance of the logo is a representation of Special Olympics' global outreach. The Official Logo is a visual representation of the theme: "Special Olympics--Uniting the World through skill, courage, sharing and joy."

If you would like to volunteer at a Special Olympic sport or event, contact volunteer12@chartermi.net.