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Revealing the champion in all of us

Special Olympics Michigan to Host November Classic

Following a successful inaugural year in 2023, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is excited to announce the return of the November Classic, set to take place in the Metro-Detroit area on November 8, 2024. The event will feature state-level competition for more than 1,100 athletes and Unified partners from across Michigan.

The November Classic will bring together a diverse group of athletes, emphasizing inclusion and teamwork. This year, the event features:

Unified Bowling: A competition with 384 athletes and Unified partners participating in team and doubles competition.

Flag Football: A tournament featuring 7 traditional teams and 6 Unified teams (athletes with and without intellectual disabilities), with a total of 135 athletes and Unified partners.

Poly Hockey: An adaptive sport similar to floor hockey, comprised of 50 teams and 592 athletes. Additionally, another 21 skills athletes will practice sport fundamentals and technique.

Save the Date: 2025 Polar Plunge Season!

Get ready, Michigan! The 2025 Polar Plunge season is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited! The 2024 Polar Plunge season raised nearly $2 million for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes, providing year-round sports competition at the state and regional level at no cost. With the new year just a few months away, SOMI is thrilled to announce this year’s lineup of Polar Plunges that promise to make a splash for a great cause.

Northville Schools Lead the Way with District-Wide Inclusion Policy

In a groundbreaking move, Northville has become one of the first school districts in the state to adopt a district-wide inclusion policy in partnership with Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI). This initiative not only reflects Northville's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, but also sets a precedent for other districts across the state.

"It feels incredible…yet so needed,” said Kelsey Mikiciuk, Northville High School Special Education Teacher. “Can you imagine a world where [inclusion] was just common practice in all schools? I feel like in Northville we are on the verge of it truly being best practice."

What We Do

Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Donations from Michigan citizens and businesses provide funding for the program.

  • 23,807 Participants
  • 24 Sports
  • 2,954 Active Certified Coaches
  • 23,216 Volunteers

SOMI Programs

Special Olympics Michigan has a variety of programs that promote awareness, inclusion, unity, health, and more.

Special Olympics Health

SO College

Young Athletes™

Unified Champion Schools (UCS)