News

When Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) President & CEO, Tim Hileman, first envisioned the Gamechanger Award, he wanted it to celebrate those who truly embody the heart of the organization - athletes, coaches, and volunteers who not only compete but lift others up, lead by example, and spread the mission of inclusion wherever they go.

When it came time to present the very first award, the choice was clear…

Ready, set, plunge! Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) and the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2026 Polar Plunge season, inviting Michiganders across the state to take the ultimate winter challenge — a jump into icy waters — all to support more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Law enforcement officers across Michigan are trading their badges for running shoes and community service during Flame of Hope Week, an annual celebration organized by the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to benefit Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI).
Taking place September 6–12, 2025, Flame of Hope Week brings together officers, athletes, and supporters statewide through a series of community runs, fundraising events, and outreach efforts — all to support more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities who compete in Special Olympics Michigan programs year-round.

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) has teamed up with the Detroit Tigers and Gallagher for the annual State Softball Tournament at the Canton Sports Center.

This inspiring, day-long event, scheduled for Friday, August 22, will bring together hundreds of athletes and coaches on 39 teams from across Michigan to compete, connect, and celebrate the spirit of inclusion through the game of softball. 

Special Olympics Michigan’s (SOMI) Unified women’s basketball teams made history in Indianapolis last week, capturing both the championship and bronze titles at the first-ever Special Olympics North America (SONA) Women’s 3x3 Basketball Tournament.

“I really felt blessed to be able to represent Michigan. It was an awesome week, one of the best of my life,” said Rose Berglund, a Kalamazoo-based SOMI athlete. “I loved getting close with both teams and being able to root and support each other.”

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is proud to officially announce the delegation of athletes, Unified partners, and coaches selected to represent Team Michigan at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, taking place June 20–26, 2026, in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is proud to announce the selection of 45 athletes and Unified partners, as well as 15 coaches who have been invited to attend the official Team Michigan Training Camp in preparation for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games set to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These athletes represent the best of Michigan, chosen based on their outstanding performance and dedication at statewide qualifying events.

Nearly 2,500 athletes from across the state will gather on the campus of Central Michigan University from May 29 – May 31 to compete in the 2025 Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) Summer Games, marking the 51st year of one of the largest and most inspiring inclusive sporting events in Michigan.

Supported by a total delegation of more than 3,200—including athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and chaperones —SOMI State Summer Games represent the spirit of inclusion, courage, and determination that defines the Special Olympics movement. Athletes will compete in eight Olympic-style sports, including athletics (track & field), bocce, horseshoes, gymnastics, pickleball, powerlifting, swimming, and volleyball.

May 29 – May 31, 2025

Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, Michigan

The 2025 State Summer Games presented by SpartanNash represent 51 years of in-person competition on the campus of Central Michigan University. Join us for the biggest Special Olympics Michigan event of the year, featuring nearly 4,000 athletes, eight sports, health and wellness screenings, and of course, three full days of FUN in Mount Pleasant, Michigan!

RESOURCES

Detailed Event Schedule
CMU Campus Event Map
Mt. Pleasant lodging/hotels

GENERAL SCHEDULE
A complete schedule of events, including competition times and locations, can be viewed here. For your individual sports, please click on the appropriate tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character program and the Ann Arbor Sports Commission is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) to host an inclusive cheerleading and dance clinic. This event aims to promote athletic skills, teamwork, and the spirit of inclusion by bringing together NAIA student-athletes and SOMI participants for a day of learning, collaboration, and fun.

For many SOMI athletes, the clinic will offer an introduction to both the sports of cheerleading and dance. The opportunity to partner with athletes at the college level, offers an intimate and relatable look at the sport, while in turn offering collegiate athletes a glimpse into the world of Unified Sports – which features athletes with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) participating on the same team.

The excitement is building as 85 teams from across Michigan prepare to compete for championship medals at the Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) State Basketball Finals. The tournament will take place on Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, bringing together athletes from all over the state for two days of spirited competition.

This year’s event will feature Unified competition, where 38 teams—comprising athletes with and without intellectual disabilities (ID)—will showcase their skills alongside 13 women’s teams competing at Calvin University. Meanwhile, 34 men’s teams will take the court at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, where over 70 skills athletes will also participate, building confidence and learning basketball fundamentals.