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Special Olympics Michigan Teams Prepare to Participate in 2024 State Basketball Finals

Championship medals are waiting to be awarded Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) State Basketball Finals. More than 80 teams from across Michigan will compete for top honors Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16.

Northern Michigan Prepares to Host 45th Annual Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games

Join the excitement as Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and Unified partners from more than 60 counties across Michigan take part in the 2024 State Winter Games presented by Wertz Warriors. The celebration runs January 30 – February 2 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (GTRS), Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts, and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center. 

2024 State Winter Games Resource Page

January 30 - February 2
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa / Schuss Mountain / Howe Arena

Get ready for some spirited competition and fun in the snow. Stay tuned here for all the information regarding the competition and other important updates regarding the games!

Make a Splash for Special Olympics: 2024 Michigan Polar Plunge Dates Released

Special Olympics Michigan on track for a record-breaking Polar Plunge season with more than 25 locations statewide. The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), a movement of volunteers dedicated to increasing awareness and funds for SOMI athletes across the state. In 2023, through grassroots fundraising efforts, LETR raised more than $2 million for SOMI athletes.

Take Life by the Reins: Jane Vermeulen’s Joy in the Journey 

Jane “Janey” Vermeulen lived her life to the fullest while inspiring others to pursue their own best quality of life, regardless of limitations.

Living large was a personality trait that came naturally to the Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athlete and was undeniably infectious. “She just lived it,” said Angela Martin, Senior Associate Director at the Michigan Development Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) at Wayne State University, warmly remembering Janey who passed away unexpectedly in 2022. “She made me want to be more of a life-living person who loved the moment.”

Groundbreaking Milestone Achieved at Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is making major construction milestones transforming the once South Christian High School into the world’s largest inclusive sports facility - the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.

Special Olympics Michigan Debuts November Classic, Featuring Poly Hockey, Unified Bowling, & Flag Football

More than 1,100 athletes & Unified partners to participate in tournaments for the November Classic, part of SOMI State Fall Games. The November Classic is one of six state-level competitions held throughout the year at Special Olympics Michigan. Additionally, more than 700 competitions are offered at local and regional levels each year. Information on the tournaments can be found here.

Fisher Magnet Upper Academy Named National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics International

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is pleased to announce Fisher Magnet Upper Academy is being recognized as a Special Olympics National Banner School and an ESPN Honor Roll School for its work in the Unified Champion Schools strategy. This is the highest honor a school can receive by Special Olympics International. 

From Unknown to Top of the Podium: Detroit’s Rising Champions

More than 700 athletes participated in soccer, kayaking, cycling, and golf competitions as part of the 2023 State Fall Games presented by the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation. Read how a Detroit sports team takes on a new challenge, resulting in confidence, camaraderie, and quality competition. 

Athletes Prepare for 10th Annual Special Olympics Michigan State Fall Games

Hundreds of Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and Unified partners are training in preparation for the 2023 State Fall Games. September 22 and September 23, 2023, individuals and teams will compete in golf, soccer, kayaking, and cycling events.

Top Golf Teams Up With Special Olympics in Auburn Hills

Special Olympics and modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf have formed an international Unified Sports® alliance to support the Inclusion Revolution. This event within the Special Olympics sport of Golf will also activate at Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) at its Auburn Hills location.

Just Call Joan: A Teacher’s Role in Shaping the #UnifiedGeneration

“If I ever need anything I just call… Joan,” Jaeley Huelskamp cringed and laughed as she said the name “Joan.” Joan is more commonly known to Huelskam as “Mrs. Robertson.” It was only recently the two women transitioned from a student-teacher relationship to peers.

Huelskamp completed her inaugural year as an educator at Lake Fenton High School a few months ago. She first met Joan Robertson more than a decade ago, in 2013, as a freshman at Grand Blanc High School. Robertson was leading a new after-school program known as Project UNIFY.

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