By: Lauren Rich

Among all the excitement and joy of the athletes, one more honor waited. Robert Davidson, 30, of Mount Pleasant in Area 7 (Clare and Gladwin Counties) was crowned king during Closing Ceremonies of the Special Olympic Michigan 2012 State Summer Games presented by Spartan Stores.

As Davidson was announced as king, cheers and applause resonated among the crowd of athletes, volunteers and coaches who gathered in McGuirk Arena on Central Michigan University's campus Friday, June 1. Greg McCarty, "Rev It Up Ride" Chairman stepped down from the stage to crown Davidson in his wheelchair. The honor came as a shock to Davidson as he modestly accepted.

"This is awesome, but in my opinion it could go to anyone," Davidson said.

Davidson has been involved with Special Olympics Michigan since elementary school participating in wheelchair track and field events and shot put. In recent years, he has doubled as an athlete and coach. After this year, he is looking to make the full transition into coaching.

"I'm coaching now, and I don't want to take the limelight," he said. "Let me step out, let them step in."

Each of the 36 areas nominated a male and female athlete for the State Summer Games court .Six princes and princesses were chosen randomly among the nominees. The king and queen were drawn from a ballot box and announced on stage during Closing Ceremonies.

The Queen is Linda Barnaboo from Area 39 (Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties).