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.
”I love to see everyone compete at all different levels and abilities,” said Katie VanHamme, a Wayne County athlete. “I like watching everyone in my delegation cheer them on. In my 20 years of competing, I have made so many memories and friends.”
At these four separate sporting events based in southeast Michigan, athletes from across the state will showcase their skills as part of the state finals. Together, the events are expected to draw in more than 1,000 competitors, and hundreds more spectators, fans, and volunteers.
On Saturday, athletes will also have the opportunity to undergo free health screenings as part of SOMI’s Healthy Athletes program. FUNFitness (physical therapy) activities will be offered at Independence Park in Canton from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Healthy Athletes programs have discovered undetected health problems, alleviated pain, and provided health services that otherwise would not be available to those with intellectual disabilities (ID) – an underserved population.
Presented by the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation, this year marks the tenth year for SOMI Fall Games.
The Real Estate One Charitable Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Special Olympics Movement and are true advocates for the Inclusion Revolution. Additional State Fall Games sponsors include Amerisure Insurance, America's Preferred Home Warranty, and ExpertCare.
For complete details, including event descriptions and partner information for the 2023 Fall Games, visit SOMI.org/fallgames