Unified sports take a major step forward in Michigan this year as the first-ever standalone Unified Day is planned for Tuesday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU). While Unified Day has traditionally been part of the Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) State Summer Games, this year’s event marks a historic shift—bringing inclusive competition and celebration directly to MSU’s campus as its own dedicated experience.
“As the premier land grant institution, MSU was founded on a philosophy of access for all,” said MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz. “We take that same philosophy into our community engagement, in our adaptive sports programs, and are honored to share these resources with Special Olympics Michigan on Unified Day.”
The event, featuring three Unified sports, brings together hundreds of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete side-by-side in a celebration of teamwork, inclusion, and sport.
Schedule of Events
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Forest Akers Trust Complex - Unified Bocce: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
336 participants, Forest Akers Trust Complex - Unified Pickleball: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
80 participants, Student Recreation & Wellness Center - Unified Team Track: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
109 participants at Jenison Fieldhouse - Special Events: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Open to all participants at Munn Field - Esports Demonstration: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Open to all at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Previously, Unified Day was held in conjunction with the State Summer Games as a kickoff event. However, with a strong majority of participants representing Unified Champion Schools (UCS)—many located within an hour of Lansing—organizers saw an opportunity to expand access and reimagine the experience.
“This move allows us to elevate Unified Day into something even more intentional, inclusive, and accessible,” said Dan Ekonen, Chief Mission Officer at SOMI. “By hosting it independently at MSU, we can better serve participants, schools, and families while highlighting the importance of Unified sports.”
A major highlight of this year’s event is the debut of Unified Team Track, a new format designed to deepen collaboration between athletes with and without disabilities. Teams compete together in track events, earning points in each heat based on finishing position. At the conclusion of competition, team scores are combined to determine final standings—reinforcing the power of shared effort and collective success.
Organizers emphasize that this growth would not be possible without the dedication of staff, volunteers, coaches, and partners committed to advancing the Unified movement.
Unified Day would not be possible without the support of partners like MSU Federal Credit Union, the State of Michigan, and Sheetz.