Nearly 500 athletes will compete in soccer, softball and golf in the statewide Fall Games tournament presented by Real Estate One Charitable Foundation
CANTON, MI – September 24-26, 2021 - Special Olympics Michigan athletes prepare to compete in a statewide tournament in golf, soccer, and softball.
This year, Special Olympics Michigan is hosting the 2021 State Fall Games, a hybrid statewide event featuring both virtual and in-person competitions for several Fall sports. For in-person competition, nearly 500 Special Olympics Michigan athletes from across the state will compete against their peers in golf, soccer, and softball, serving as a qualifier for the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida. Like the State Summer Games, athletes, coaches, and supporters alike are thrilled to compete in-person, after virtual-only competition in 2020.
The 2021 State Fall Games is presented by the Real Estate One Foundation who recently expanded their partnership with Special Olympics Michigan to support the Special Olympics Unified Cup Detroit 2022—the World Cup of soccer for Special Olympics. Real Estate One Charitable Foundation and the Family of Companies have been long-time supporters of the Special Olympics Movement and are true advocates for the Inclusion Revolution. Additional State Fall Games sponsors include Amerisure, Ally Financial, Magna, and Autoliv.
“I missed competing in Fall Games so much last year. Competing virtually was fun, but I cannot wait to see my friends and get back on the field this year! I’m excited to work toward another gold medal to add to my collection!” – Natalie H., Special Olympics Michigan Athlete
In-person Competition Details:
- Friday, September 24 – Softball at Canton Softball Center, Canton, MI
- Saturday, September 25 – Soccer at Independence Park, Canton, MI
- Sunday, September 26 – Golf at Marriott Eagle Crest, Ypsilanti, MI
For virtual competition, athletes will compete from a list of nearly 6 sporting events they could do from the safety of home. As part of the Virtual Games, participants will submit their scores for virtual awards to see how they stack up against others from around the state.
For complete details, including event descriptions and partner information for the 2021 Fall Games, visit SOMI.org/fallgames. For this event, Special Olympics Michigan is following Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
About Special Olympics Michigan:
Special Olympics Michigan Inc. (SOMI) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to over 23,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners (athletes without 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. Athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches and family members.
SOMI is a non-profit organization supported almost entirely by corporate and individual gifts and events. The generosity of Michigan organizations, individuals and statewide businesses enable the program to continue.