Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) will host its largest annual event, the 2026 State Summer Games, from May 28–30 on the campus of Central Michigan University. The three-day celebration of sport, inclusion, and community will bring together nearly 2,500 athletes from across Michigan, more than 1,000 coaches and volunteers, along with thousands of fans from across the state.
The State Summer Games are a cornerstone event for Special Olympics Michigan, showcasing the power of sport to unite communities and create opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to compete, achieve, and thrive.
“This event represents the very best of Special Olympics Michigan—bringing people together to celebrate ability, determination, and the joy of competition,” said Tim Hileman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Michigan. “We invite the entire community to be part of this unforgettable weekend.”
Throughout the weekend, athletes will compete in a variety of Olympic-style events, including athletics (track & field), bocce, developmental athletics, gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic), horseshoes, pickleball, powerlifting, swimming, and volleyball. The Games also feature Opening Ceremonies, Healthy Athletes (health and wellness programming), and an introduction to sport for children ages 2-7 through Young Athletes events.
As part of Summer Games, Special Olympics Michigan will host its Healthy Athletes Village, offering eight disciplines: FunFitness, Health Promotion, Healthy Hearing, Healthy Young Athletes, MedFest, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, and Strong Minds. The Healthy Athletes Village will be open Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with Opening Eyes also available Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most screenings and services will take place in the Turf Bay, with Healthy Hearing located in the Indoor Athletic Complex (IAC) and Healthy Young Athletes in Rose Center.
In addition, Special Olympics Michigan is excited to welcome youth ages 2–7 to participate in a Young Athletes Summer Games experience. Up to 30 young athletes will take part in a Summer Games sports sampler on Thursday, May 28, featuring age-appropriate introductions to gymnastics and track and field. The community is also invited to attend the Young Athletes Showcase on Saturday, May 30, where participants can enjoy a full day of fun, including free health screenings and a Young Athletes program sampler.
“These health screenings and early athlete experiences are an important part of Summer Games,” said Jessica Pollins, Young Athletes Director. “It helps our youngest population build confidence, develop skills, and access critical care in a fun, welcoming environment.”
Held annually in Mount Pleasant, the State Summer Games are the largest of seven statewide competitions offered by Special Olympics Michigan and have been a tradition for more than five decades. The event not only highlights athletic achievement but also reinforces the organization’s mission of fostering respect, inclusion, and acceptance for all.
The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes. Opening Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 28 at 7:00
p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, featuring the Parade of Athletes, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and the lighting of the Flame of Hope.
This marks the final event ahead of the Team Michigan delegation departing for the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, taking place the last week of June. The delegation will be recognized during Opening Ceremony as they prepare to represent our state on the national stage.
A full schedule of events can be found here. For more information, including schedules, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved, visit www.somi.org/summergames.