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.
Hundreds of Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and Unified partners are training in preparation for the 2023 State Fall Games. September 22 and September 23, 2023, individuals and teams will compete in golf, soccer, kayaking, and cycling events.
“If I ever need anything I just call… Joan,” Jaeley Huelskamp cringed and laughed as she said the name “Joan.” Joan is more commonly known to Huelskam as “Mrs. Robertson.” It was only recently the two women transitioned from a student-teacher relationship to peers.
Huelskamp completed her inaugural year as an educator at Lake Fenton High School a few months ago. She first met Joan Robertson more than a decade ago, in 2013, as a freshman at Grand Blanc High School. Robertson was leading a new after-school program known as Project UNIFY.
“We like to think of our AmeriCorps positions as service positions. What we’re doing is a service, not a job,” said Austin Shepherd, a Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) AmeriCorps Member. “It’s not ‘I went to work today’ it’s ‘I went to serve today’,” he explained about what he calls ‘The Service Mindset,’ a common personality trait amongst his AmeriCorps colleagues.
