By: Christine Hatty

While the sun was shining, so were all of the Special Olympics Michigan Athletes during the 2012 State Softball Finals presented by Amerisure.

The 2012 State Softball Finals took place Saturday, July 21 at the Canton Sports Center in Canton, Mich. Aside from softball competition taking place throughout the day; Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes were also encouraged to participate in the TRAIN Program which is a part of Healthy Athletes ® Program presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

The TRAIN (testing recreational activities and improving nutrition) Program combines sports aptitude testing with nutrition education to promote healthy lifestyles for athletes and their families.

Anne Rogers, special projects manager for Special Olympics Michigan said, "It is always a good opportunity when athletes' skills, sports aptitude and nutrition knowledge can be showcased. TRAIN is the perfect program to do that because athletes can go through different stations and get their strengths and weaknesses assessed, and then suggestions on how to improve the weak areas can be made."

Five volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan came out to Canton to volunteer at the 2012 State Softball Finals at TRAIN. For some of the volunteers, like Cynthia McDonald, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan volunteer from Beverly Hills, Mich., the 2012 State Softball Finals was the first SOMI event they had ever been to.

"I am most looking forward to having fun, working with the athletes, and the athletic atmosphere today," said Cynthia. Cynthia admitted that after volunteering at State Softball Finals, she will volunteer for SOMI events in the future.

Cynthia, along with her coworkers, agreed they appreciate what the athletes do every day, and they love being able to be a part of what makes the athletes thrive. The volunteers at Special Olympics Michigan are just as dedicated as the athletes.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and supporters of the 2012 State Softball Finals presented by Amerisure who show continuous dedication and support to SOMI programs, events and athletes.