News

pecial Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is thrilled to announce that long-time poly hockey athlete, Scott Decker, has been selected to serve as an assistant coach for The Original Six Matchup featuring a number of Detroit Red Wings legends and NHL Hall of Fame inductees. This honor recognizes Decker’s dedication to the sport, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to Special Olympics athletes.

A decorated poly hockey player from Grosse Pointe Woods, 38-year-old Decker has been an integral part of SOMI for nearly a decade, earning two state championships in 2023 and 2024 for the sport. Decker is best known amongst players and coaches for his pre-game motivational speeches, inspiring teams to push themselves out of their comfort zones in pursuit of victory. In addition to poly hockey, Decker participates in basketball, bowling, and track and field.

MILAN, Italy  –  Nearly 150 Special Olympics USA delegates, including four Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and one coach, will arrive in Italy on Friday, March 7 to compete internationally at the Special Olympics World Games Turin 2025

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is thrilled to announce the 2025 State Winter Games, to be held February 5–7 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. This exciting event will bring together more 1,000 participants, including 721 athletes, 177 coaches, 15 Unified partners, and 221 chaperones, to compete in five winter sports.

Participating Tim Hortons U.S. restaurants in Michigan will serve Special Olympics Donuts from Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 with 100% of profits donated to support Special Olympics athletes.

The Tims Special Olympics Donut is a delicious chocolate cake donut dipped in vanilla-flavored icing, topped with rainbow sprinkles and a dollop of whipped topping in the middle. It will be sold at participating Tims restaurants in Michigan, plus in New York State, and Ohio from Jan. 31 – Feb. 2.

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is excited to announce the kickoff of the 2025 Polar Plunge season, presented by the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). This year’s Plunge season promises to be more exhilarating than ever as brave participants make a splash to support athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) across the state.

Jacob Nelson, a 19-year-old athlete from Chelsea, Michigan, is proving that there's no limit to what Special Olympics athletes can achieve. After years of excelling in sports like bocce and snowshoeing, Jacob has taken on a new role in the sports community—one that allows him to stay close to the action while giving back in a different way: by becoming a referee.

Following a successful inaugural year in 2023, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is excited to announce the return of the November Classic, set to take place in the Metro-Detroit area on November 8, 2024. The event will feature state-level competition for more than 1,100 athletes and Unified partners from across Michigan.

Get ready, Michigan! The 2025 Polar Plunge season is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited! The 2024 Polar Plunge season raised nearly $2 million for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes, providing year-round sports competition at the state and regional level at no cost. With the new year just a few months away, SOMI is thrilled to announce this year’s lineup of Polar Plunges that promise to make a splash for a great cause.

In a groundbreaking move, Northville has become one of the first school districts in the state to adopt a district-wide inclusion policy in partnership with Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI). This initiative not only reflects Northville's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, but also sets a precedent for other districts across the state.

"It feels incredible…yet so needed,” said Kelsey Mikiciuk, Northville High School Special Education Teacher. “Can you imagine a world where [inclusion] was just common practice in all schools? I feel like in Northville we are on the verge of it truly being best practice."

Special Olympics Michigan(SOMI) is thrilled to announce the return of State Fall Games, an event that brings together athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and chaperones from across the state to celebrate sportsmanship, teamwork, and the pursuit of a more unified world. The 2024 State Fall Games – happening Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 – will feature golf, kayaking, cycling, and soccer competition, showcasing the dedication and talent of SOMI athletes.

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 19 to celebrate the opening of the outdoor sports complex and indoor athlete activity space at its state-of-the-art Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center. This event marks a significant moment in the 55-year history of SOMI and a key milestone in the construction of the world's largest inclusive sports training facility.

“We can’t believe all of this is for us,” said Max Erhardt, SOMI Athlete and Building Tomorrow’s Champions Capital Campaign Cabinet Member. “Before now, we played on other people’s fields and courts. You might not have seen us then. You will now. You will see everything we are capable of doing. Finally, we have a place to call home.”

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is dedicated to creating a world that accepts every person regardless of ability or disability. Our Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) partners are key advocates in this mission – the single largest grassroots fundraiser for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Runners with the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) are lacing up their shoes to help spread a message of inclusion for Special Olympics Michigan athletes by kicking off the 40th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Run Week, September  7-13, 2024.