Championship medals are being polished in preparation for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) inaugural November Classic. Competitors will participate in a day-long competition featuring the sports of Poly Hockey, Unified Bowling, and Flag Football. More than 1,100 athletes and Unified partners from across Michigan are expected to participate in the Detroit area events on Friday, November 10.
Opening Remarks will occur at each location, featuring a check presentation from Statewide Civic Partner and Poly Hockey Presenting Sponsor the Water Warriors. The Water Warriors are a group of volunteers and personal watercraft enthusiasts who work year-round to spread awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan.
Poly Hockey is an adaptive sport similar to floor hockey. More than 550 athletes on 46 teams will use plastic hockey sticks and pucks and play on a gym floor surface at the UWM Sports Complex. At the same location, more than 110 athletes comprised of 10 teams will participate in Flag Football.
Unified Bowling brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams. More than 200 two-person teams (412 bowlers in total) will participate in the day-long bowling finals at Century Bowl in Waterford, consisting of ramp and open lane divisions.
The November Classic, part of SOMI State Fall Games, is one of six state-level competitions held throughout the year at Special Olympics Michigan. Additionally, more than 700 competitions are offered at local and regional levels each year. Information on the tournaments can be found here.
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.
Event Details:
Poly Hockey & Flag Football
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
UWM Sports Complex
867 South Blvd East
Pontiac, MI 48327
Unified Bowling
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Century Bowl
7345 Highland Road
Waterford, MI 48341