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“I look good,” said Danny Ristich, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athlete, soliciting a big laugh from the crowd as the hockey goalie commented on the professional gear he was wearing following an hour of warding off pucks during hockey drills. 

The loudest laugh came from friend, Dylan Larkin, standing at his side as the two took questions from the media together. “Danny is always making Waterford very, very proud,” Larkin, Detroit Red Wings hockey captain said of this friend. “One of our local heroes.”

Walking through the empty lobby of Eastern Michigan University’s George Gervin GameAbove Center – a state-of-the-art sports complex that rivals professional stadiums – one would question if they had arrived at the correct location for an event.

The turn styles and ticket booths that spectators crowded through on game days stood empty, and there was not another person to be found at the front of the building.

The initial $1.5 million collective fundraising goal for more than 25 locations statewide was reached only weeks into the 2024 Polar Plunge season. The Polar Plunge season closed well above its anticipated target, with 8,600 hundred Plungers raising more than $1.9 million. 

Championship medals are waiting to be awarded Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) State Basketball Finals. More than 80 teams from across Michigan will compete for top honors Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16.

Join the excitement as Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and Unified partners from more than 60 counties across Michigan take part in the 2024 State Winter Games presented by Wertz Warriors. The celebration runs January 30 – February 2 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (GTRS), Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts, and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center. 

January 30 - February 2
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa / Schuss Mountain / Howe Arena

Get ready for some spirited competition and fun in the snow. Stay tuned here for all the information regarding the competition and other important updates regarding the games!

Special Olympics Michigan on track for a record-breaking Polar Plunge season with more than 25 locations statewide. The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), a movement of volunteers dedicated to increasing awareness and funds for SOMI athletes across the state. In 2023, through grassroots fundraising efforts, LETR raised more than $2 million for SOMI athletes.

Jane “Janey” Vermeulen lived her life to the fullest while inspiring others to pursue their own best quality of life, regardless of limitations.

Living large was a personality trait that came naturally to the Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athlete and was undeniably infectious. “She just lived it,” said Angela Martin, Senior Associate Director at the Michigan Development Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) at Wayne State University, warmly remembering Janey who passed away unexpectedly in 2022. “She made me want to be more of a life-living person who loved the moment.”

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is making major construction milestones transforming the once South Christian High School into the world’s largest inclusive sports facility - the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.

More than 1,100 athletes & Unified partners to participate in tournaments for the November Classic, part of SOMI State Fall Games. The November Classic 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.

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is pleased to announce Fisher Magnet Upper Academy is being recognized as a Special Olympics National Banner School and an ESPN Honor Roll School for its work in the Unified Champion Schools strategy. This is the highest honor a school can receive by Special Olympics International. 

More than 700 athletes participated in soccer, kayaking, cycling, and golf competitions as part of the 2023 State Fall Games presented by the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation. Read how a Detroit sports team takes on a new challenge, resulting in confidence, camaraderie, and quality competition.