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| July 23, 2009 Sunshine and Clear Skies Set the Stage for the State Summer Sports Classic
The clouds cleared and sunshine beamed down to greet athletes during the golf competition on day one of the State Summer Sports Classic. More than 100 unified golfers participated in the golf competition, for a total of 54 unified teams. Unified teams combine a SOMI athlete with a non-athlete player, such as a parent, relative or a coach. There were also 40 athletes participating in the 9-hole event and 43 skills event golfers.
“The unified teams are a great opportunity for families to experience the competition together,” said Ann Gudzial, Chief Program Officer of Special Olympics Michigan. “A lot of times they are more excited to get the award than the athlete.” MORE The State Summer Sports Classic - A Unifying Experience
There aren’t many sports Deb hasn’t had the opportunity to coach. Throughout her years of experience she has coached golf, soccer, bocce ball, track, basketball, softball, speed skating, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing. At one point she had the most coaching certifications of anyone in the state! She has also shared her knowledge with a lot of other people, training them to become coaches for Special Olympics Michigan athletes. MORE Amerisure Ensured Success of State Summer Sports Classic
Many Amerisure volunteers find the event to be a rewarding experience and come back year after year. Chief Financial Officer of Amerisure Doug Kinnan, also serves on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Michigan and has a daughter involved in Special Olympics. "Every year we get very positive comments," said Kinnan. "The employees love seeing the athletes, how well they compete and the pure joy the athletes have."
One volunteer mentioned how the State Summer Sports Classic has changed her outlook on the sporting events her own children are involved with. "Parents would be screaming on the sidelines at the referees, here there's none of that. Everyone is just excited to see the athletes hit the ball in the hole." MORE Mattel Supports Special Olympics Michigan
Debbie Koppin brought her young son so he could see what a great group of people this is. She said the athletes seem so happy to be here and they’re just thrilled to get a hit! Another co-worker brought the Mattel team’s youngest volunteer – 3-year-old Vance Harvey. MORE Athletes Prepare to Show Their Skills at the Southwest Regional Softball Tournament
Seventeen teams will compete in the tournament, comprised of athletes from Kent, Barry, Ottawa, Allegan, Kalamazoo, Oceana, Newaygo and Muskegon counties. Sixteen skill athletes will compete in the tournament. There are five skilled-based divisions within the tournament including three traditional, one unified team (which has players with and without intellectual disabilities) and one coach pitched division. MORE The Water Warriors Endurance Ride Begins with One of the Best Starts in History The water was smooth as glass as the Water Warriors took off for their 19th Annual 350-Mile Endurance Ride down the eastern shoreline of Michigan Monday morning. The ride may have started out chilly, but the water warriors say it was one of, if not the best, start to their ride ever. The Water Warriors not only get to conquer Lake Huron during their ride, but interact with many of the Special Olympics Michigan athletes along the way. The Water Warriors ride is a great opportunity to meet new people and develop friendships with everybody involved. Since 1991, the Water Warriors have raised more than $1.5 million for Special Olympics Michigan. The ride lasts five days and each day has pre-planned fuel stops, rest stops and evening activities. Join the Water Warriors at the finish line as they end their journey Friday on Harsens Island. For more information on the ride visit www.waterwarriors.org.
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