2012 State Winter Games

February 7 - 10, 2012
Grand Traverse Resort, Schuss Village & Howe Arena

Let the Games Begin!

The 2012 State Winter Games theme is "Heroes"

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
MORE THAN 1,400 ATHLETES, COACHES, CHAPERONES AND VOLUNTEERS
FROM 60 COUNTIES WILL ATTEND THE
SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN 2012 STATE WINTER GAMES FEB. 7-10!
(The Number of Athletes Competing is up More Than 7% This Year)

Join the excitement as 800 Special Olympics Michigan athletes from more than 60 counties across Michigan along with 600 coaches, chaperones and volunteers gather to compete at the 2012 State Winter Games February 7-10 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resort, and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center. Special Olympics Michigan transforms lives through the power of sport. During competition athletes showcase the skills they've learned from months of intense training. Competition includes alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, speed skating and figure skating.

One Snowshoe athlete and one cross country skiing athlete will earn a coveted spot to compete at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Korea.

We invite and encourage community members to attend events to show support and cheer on athletes. There is never a charge for admission to any Special Olympics Michigan athlete competition. We especially need ‘fans in the stands' during our figure and speed skating time trails, and competition at Howe Ice Arena inside the Grand Traverse Civic Center on Wednesday, Feb. 8 and Thursday, Feb. 9 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Here are some of the exciting events for the 2012 Winter Games:

Wertz Warriors

The Wertz Warriors 31st annual fundraising 900-mile, seven-day snowmobile endurance ride begins in Clinton Township on Sunday, Feb. 5 and ends in Petoskey on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Athlete snowmobile rides at the south side of the Clubhouse at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. - Wertz Warriors autograph session in the pre-function area of Governor's Hall at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

7:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies and Wertz Warriors check presentation

United States Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City

Dependent on weather conditions and operations, U.S.C.G Air Station Traverse City will provide a helicopter flyover to escort the Wertz Warriors for several miles as they make their way to Grand Traverse Resort & Spa be on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at about 3 p.m. Depending on ground conditions, they will land their helicopter to display it, and meet athletes and volunteers. They also plan to do a flyover at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire on Wednesday morning. Commander Joseph Buzzella will be the emcee for Closing Ceremonies on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 inside Governor's Hall at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is Presenting Sponsor of Healthy Athletes®

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a 40 percent greater risk of preventable secondary health conditions, such as obesity, poor fitness, nutritional deficits, untreated or poorly treated vision, dental, hearing and podiatric problems. Special Olympics Healthy Athletes was developed in 1996 to address these health disparities. The goal of Healthy Athletes® is to provide clinics at Special Olympics competitions and sponsored events in that improve athletes' sports experience and overall well-being in a welcoming, fun environment. Healthy Athletes® clinics are offered at Special Olympics Michigan state events.

At the 2012 State Winter Games athletes will have the opportunity to participate in:

MedFest - The MedFest program recruits volunteer physicians to provide the required physical examinations for people who wish to register in Special Olympics.

Health Promotions - is a free screening that offers health information and advice in the areas of nutrition, sun safety, bone density, tobacco cessation, and physical fitness.

FUNfitness - Surveys general exercise habits, assesses flexibility, functional strength and balance and aerobic fitness, provides education about home exercises to improve performance, and facilitates community referrals as needed.

Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton and wife Kristin

They will be at the 2012 State Winter Games serving as celebrity volunteers.

Thursday, Feb. 9

3:30 p.m. Celebrity Autograph Session in the pre-function area of Governor's Hall at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

7:30 p.m. Drew will speak at Closing Ceremonies at Governor's Hall inside Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. I

Saturday, Feb. 11

10 a.m. - Drew is participating in the Traverse City Polar Plunge at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa clubhouse.

Swing Shift & The Stars Dance Duo Max Dingeman and Jennifer Howard

The pair will once again be in the spotlight following their recent winning performances during the fall 2011 Swing Shift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity in Traverse City, where they captured first place honors. Max and Jennifer will perform a ballroom dance routine VSA arts winning Dancin' Duo of Max Dingeman and Jennifer Howard will perform at the closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games.

Young Athletes® Program

The Young Athletes^TM Program will be hosting a clinic on Tuesday from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Tower Ballrooms A/B/C. This program offers children ages 2-7 opportunities to develop foundational skills.

Cosmetology students from Traverse City Beauty College

Cosmetology students from Traverse City Beauty College will be donating their time and skills to do hair and make-up for the athletes on Thursday, Feb. 9 competing in figure skating.

Scarf Project

Hundreds of handmade scarves donated as a result of the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project will be a symbol of unity, support, compassion and empowerment, as the Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters wear them with pride in knowing they have become part of the Special Olympics family. Look for the red and navy blue scarves!

The Timothy Krause Award

The Timothy Krause Award is given to an alpine skiing athlete who achieves excellence and approaches the sports with enthusiasm. The award is given in honor of John Bunbury's son, Timothy, who passed away at a young age. The award recipient will be presented with a green Wertz Warriors jacket at Opening Ceremonies.

The annual Rick VanderSloot Winter Sport Award

The annual Rick VanderSloot Winter Sport Award will be given to an athlete who demonstrates good sportsmanship and competes with the attitude that "Nothing is impossible if I try." The award recipient will be presented with a green Wertz Warriors jacket at Opening Ceremonies.

Time trials will take place on Wednesday.
Competition begins bright and early on Thursday morning and runs through Friday afternoon.

Events Include:

Alpine Skiing (slalom, giant slalom and downhill) at Schuss Village
Snowboarding (slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom) at Schuss Village
Cross-Country Skiing (50M, 100M, 250M, 500M, 1K, 3K and 5K) at Schuss Village
Snowshoeing (30M, 50M, 75M, 100M, 200M and 400M) at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Figure Skating (compulsory and freestyle) at Howe Arena
Speed Skating (25M, 30M, 50M, 100M, 300M, 500M and 800M) at Howe Arena