Have you dreamed of your chance to take the turf at a professional sports stadium? Make that dream a reality all while contributing to the Inclusion Revolution.  Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is pleased to announce the inaugural year for two unique fundraisers: Motor City Yoga and Motor City Blitz. The two separate events will happen on the same day, May 14, 2022, at the home of the Detroit Lions: Ford Field. All proceeds will benefit sports and health programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities in and around the Detroit area, allowing them to participate in regional and state competitions at no cost to them – all while spreading the message of unity across the state!

“I was overwhelmed and a little in shock,” said Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) Coach, Allison Wonch, when she was awarded the Special Olympics North America (SONA) Outstanding Coach Award this month. “I am so thankful for the families and school community who continue to support Special Olympics for our athletes; giving them this great opportunity to thrive.”

 57 Michigan Jersey Mike’s Locations Will Donate 100% of Sales to Help Local Athletes Attend the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

This year, the Polar Plunge season raised $1,450,000 million for Special Olympics Michigan. Money raised allows athletes to compete in sports and health programming year-round at no cost. 

For most Special Olympics supporters brave enough to take the Polar Plunge, one icy jump is more than enough. Not for Holland Christian Staff member, Ty Van Wieren. The high school paraprofessional has committed his personal and professional life to promote the message of his inclusion. It was his students that inspired Van Wieren to plunge five times, one in honor of each student unable to take the dive themselves. 

“I don’t remember the score of the games, I remember experiences,” said Bill Dombrowski, Special Olympics Michigan volunteer and coach. “We have lost more games than we have won, we have come in last and first, but it will always be about life lessons.”

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and Unified Partners will take to the court Wednesday, February 9 at Howell High School to celebrate their achieve

Health Messenger: Leslie Venema

Health Messenger: Elizabeth "Liz" Viele

Join us in congratulating one of our newest Health Messengers, Elizabeth Viele! Liz began Special Olympics back in the late 1990s and has competed in basketball, gymnastics, bowling, cross country skiing, flag football, and softball. Liz has a passion for being a leader and wanted to become a Health Messenger so that she could continue to develop her leadership skills as a role model for health and wellness. Liz enjoys leading warm-ups before her exercise classes and hopes to continue to improve her fitness leading skills. 

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is pleased to announce that Jennifer VanSkiver has joined its leadership team in a newly created position, Chief Officer of Strategic Growth.

Sunday, January 30th, the Wertz Warriors will take off on their annual week-long, 900-mile snowmobile endurance ride from Clinton Township to Mackinaw City, raising money and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI).

 Each day the athletes of Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) push themselves outside of their comfort zone, breaking down barriers in an effort to create a unified world. You’re invited to join them as they pave the way in the Inclusion Revolution by taking the Polar Plunge!