The spirit of inclusion is set to ignite as Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) proudly announces the arrival of the much-anticipated 2024 Regional Spring Games. Saturday, May 4, athletes will compete throughout greater Grand Rapids and Detroit in the sports of Bocce, Swimming, Volleyball and Track & Field.
More than 1,000 athletes ages eight and up will compete regionally after weeks of training at the local level. Regional Spring Games are a qualifier for SOMI’s largest event of the year, the 2024 State Summer Games on Central Michigan University’s Campus in Mt. Pleasant, May 30 – June 1, 2024.
“Special Olympics Michigan is thrilled to host the Spring Games once again, providing a platform for our athletes to showcase quality competition," said Nick Caudle, Senior Manager of Sports & Wellness Training for SOMI. "This event embodies the power of sport to break down barriers, foster inclusion, and inspire communities.”
Nearly 650 Southeast Michigan-based athletes will compete in Bocce, Swimming, and Track & Field at East English Village Prep Academy, and Volleyball at Dundee High School starting at 9:00 a.m., with Opening Ceremony scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at East English Village Prep Academy.
On the west side of the state, competition featuring more than 400 athletes will take place at Forest Hills Eastern High School (Athletics/Bocce) at 9:00 a.m., Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center (Volleyball) at 9:30 a.m., and Northview Highschool (Swimming) at 9:30 a.m. An Opening Ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Forest Hills Eastern.
Volunteer opportunities are available at each location. Sign up for Detroit-based events here. Sign up for Grand Rapids-based events here. A full schedule of events is attached.
Special Olympics Michigan holds more than 700 local and regional competitions each year in addition to seven state-level competitions and four district basketball tournaments. Information on local and regional competitions can be found on the events calendar.