News

The Capitol lawn in Lansing was alive with laughter and cheers this week, as Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes, Unified partners, and supporters invited lawmakers to participate in a sports exhibition following a morning of budget negotiations inside the state house. 

While the mood was light as dozens of legislators learned the skill behind the sports of bocce, soccer, and badminton, the message behind the games was powerful. 

“It’s a lot, there is pressure for me,” said Jessica Duvall, who is a mixture of excitement and nerves as she looks ahead to the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, now just two months away. The 28-year-old is a multi-sport Special Olympics Michigan athlete, but it’s gymnastics that brings her to life.

“I have my friends next to me, my coach in front of me, I am surrounded by people that support me. It’s awesome,” Duvall said with a bright smile and a loud laugh.

They're out there, waiting patiently for that perfect moment. That hopeful smile at the starting line. A fist bump before the start of competition. That triumphant push across the finish line. From the snowy ski hills of Northern Michigan to the hot summer sun of a Mount Pleasant track, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is blessed to have active, on-site volunteer photographers.

On Thursday, leadership from Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI), Gun Lake Casino, and Gun Lake Tribe gathered to announce a new state-wide partnership, including the presenting sponsorship of the world's largest Special Olympics training facility located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Made possible through a generous $2.5 million sponsorship agreement from Gun Lake Casino and Gun Lake Tribe, this partnership will support the Unified Sports & Inclusion Center as the premiere facility for all Special Olympics Michigan athletes to train and compete.

For the first time since founded in 1904, the Detroit Public School League (PSL) Basketball League will partner with Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) to host a Unified Championship Game. Following a full season of league play, Sunday, February 19, Cody High School and Central High School teams – comprised of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities – will go head-to-head for the Detroit PSL Unified Championship title. 

Sunday, January 29, 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). This year marks the 42nd ride of the Wertz Warriors.

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 make a splash and join them as they pave the way in the Inclusion Revolution by taking the Polar Plunge.

“Try, try again, get back up, and make sure that you go for it.” 

As we enter a new year, these words shared by Special Olympics Michigan athlete, Jessica Martin, will be words I will live by moving forward. The 29-year-old uses her life philosophy daily to motivate herself and her peers. 

Join the excitement as Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and Unified partners from more than 60 counties across Michigan take part in the 2023 State Winter Games presented by Wertz Warriors. The celebration runs January 31 – February 3 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (GTRS), Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts, and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center. 

Tournament officials announced that the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational’s Special Olympics 3-Hole Challenge program will be returning to the 2023 tournament. Scheduled for Friday, July 21, this annual event will welcome twelve Special Olympics athletes from Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. Athletes will compete in a three-hole, three-person scramble on holes 16, 17, and 18 at Midland Country Club. The Dow GLBI and the Special Olympics Michigan have teamed up for the Special Olympics 3-Hole Challenge since 2019.

Championship medals are being polished ahead of the Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) Poly Hockey and Unified Bowling finals next week. Nearly 500 athletes and Unified partners from across Michigan are expected to participate in the Lansing area events on Friday, Nov. 4.