By: Christine Hatty

More than 1,000 athletes from nearly two dozen counties around Michigan will gather starting July 19 for the Special Olympics Michigan State Golf and Softball Finals presented by Amerisure Insurance.

Golf competition will kick off Thursday, July 19 at the Pine View Golf Course in Ypsilanti. The State Golf Finals will consist of nine-hole golf with stroke play competition.

Softball competition begins Saturday, July 21 at the Canton Softball Complex in Canton. Softball competition will also be held on Saturday, July 28 at the Versluis/Dickinson Softball Complex in Kalamazoo as well as St. Johns Youth Baseball Association Ball Fields in St. Johns.

Special Olympics Michigan athletes and coaches have been working hard to prepare for the 2012 State Softball and Golf Finals!

New this year, the TRAIN (Testing Recreational Activities & Improving Nutrition) Program will be at the State Softball Finals in Canton on July 21. This program combines sports aptitude testing with nutrition education to promote healthy lifestyles for athletes and their families. All family members, volunteers and delegation members are invited to participate.Click here for more information on the State Golf Finals in Ypsilanti.

Click here for more information on the State Golf Finals in Ypsilanti.

Click here for more information on the State Softball Finals in Canton.

Click here for more information on the State Softball Finals in Kalamazoo.

Click here for more information on the State Softball Finals in St. Johns.