It Feels Like Home: Unified Sports & Inclusion Center Comes to Life
For us, by us. It’s a motto that formed five years ago during an initial walkthrough of the former South Christian high school in Cutlerville, Michigan with an intimate group Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) staff, athletes, and their families.
“We walked around the fields, the building, the old classrooms and we asked the athletes ‘What do you want to do here? What do you need?’” said Tim Hileman, SOMI President & CEO. “From day one our athletes provided input and thought. We wouldn’t have this facility without our athletes.”
Opening Eyes: Empowering Athletes to See Beyond a Screening
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athlete, C.J. VanSkiver, 24, has received vision screenings for as long as she can remember.
“Every time I get my eyes checked I am told my eyes are fine,” VanSkiver explained.
It wasn’t until a trip through Healthy Athletes Village at the 2024 State Summer Games, that her eyes were truly opened. “When I was told I needed glasses, I was confused and shocked,” VanSkiver recalled.
Go for Gold: MOO-ville Scooping Up SOMI Inspired Ice Cream
Michigan-based MOO-ville Ice Cream has unveiled a new flavor aimed at backing Special Olympics Michigan. Named "Go for Gold," the flavor was created and inspired by SOMI athletes from Area 11 (Kent & Barry counties), featuring chocolate ice cream with ribbons of golden caramel and Butterfinger.
Located in Nashville, Michigan, MOO-ville Ice Cream is renowned for its handcrafted flavors and community involvement. The decision to create "Go for Gold" arose from a desire to celebrate the spirit of perseverance and achievement embodied by Special Olympics Michigan athletes.
What We Do
Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Donations from Michigan citizens and businesses provide funding for the program.
- 23,807 Participants
- 24 Sports
- 2,954 Active Certified Coaches
- 23,216 Volunteers
Our Partners
