ACME, MICHIGAN — Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is thrilled to announce the 2025 State Winter Games, to be held February 5–7 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. This exciting event will bring together more 1,000 participants, including 721 athletes, 177 coaches, 15 Unified partners, and 221 chaperones, to compete in five winter sports.
In its 46th year, SOMI State Winter Games will offer three days of quality sports competition at three venues across Northern Michigan: Howe Ice Arena in Traverse City will host figure skating, Schuss Mountain in Mancelona will be home to snowboarding, alpine and cross-country skiing, and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa will host snowshoe athletes.
WINTER GAMES HIGHLIGHTS
- Opening Ceremony, Feb. 5 - 7:00 p.m.
A celebration to kick off the games with a parade of athletes, inspiring speeches, and the ceremonial lighting of the Flame of Hope.
- Closing Ceremony, Feb. 6 - 7:30 p.m.
The culmination of Winter Games, celebrating three days of camaraderie and sports competition, followed by the Victory Dance.
- Free Health and Fitness Screenings
Winter Games participants will be offered complimentary dental, mental health and physical wellness consultations by medical professionals on-site.
- Winter Sport Competition
Athletes will compete in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and figure skating in an inclusive environment.
- Unified Sports
Special Olympics promotes inclusion through Unified Sports, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together as teammates.
- Community Engagement
Families, volunteers, and spectators are invited to join the celebration and cheer on the athletes in a shared spirit of inclusion and support.
A complete schedule of events can be viewed here. Note: Sport competition times are subject to change.
The Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games are made possible thanks to the generous support of Wertz Warriors, a dedicated community partner passionate about promoting the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“We are honored to partner with Special Olympics Michigan to present the 2025 State Winter Games,” said Randy Kuchenmeister, Board Chair of Wertz Warriors. “The athletes inspire us every year, and we are proud to support an event that allows them to compete and demonstrate their incredible strength, skill, and spirit.”
The Wertz Warriors are a group of nearly 100 dedicated individuals who travel on snowmobiles for a 900-mile endurance ride from Clinton Township to Mackinaw City, raising money and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan athletes. The ride departs Sunday, February 2 and runs through February 8.
Wertz Warriors was created by Vic Wertz, who had a dream to underwrite the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games. Since his dream became a reality in 1982, Wertz Warriors has raised awareness and more nearly $15 million for SOMI athletes. This year is the 44th ride for the Wertz Warriors.
Detroit Lions great Luther Bradley returns to the Wertz Warriors for the duration of the ride this year. Bradley was an All-American defensive back at Notre Dame and member of two national championship teams with the Fighting Irish. A first-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 1978, Bradley played four seasons in Detroit, later spending three years in the United States Football League (USFL) and is the league’s all-time interception leader.
2025 State Winter Games will not only showcase quality sports competition but also promote the importance of health and wellness through SOMI’s Healthy Athletes program.
“We are beyond excited for the 2025 State Winter Games, and we look forward to seeing our athletes not only compete but thrive through the additional programs such as Health Athletes and Athlete Leadership,” said Tim Hileman, President & CEO of SOMI. “The support of Wertz Warriors and our many partners enables us to provide resources that allow our athletes to reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field of play.”
The Healthy Athletes program is a key part of the State Winter Games and will offer multiple screenings and services designed to help athletes improve their health and performance.
HEALTHY ATHLETES EVENTS
Special Smiles (Dental Screening)
Tuesday, February 4 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
NEW IN 2025: Athletes will undergo dental screenings, with the opportunity to schedule follow-up care at a local clinic on Wednesday or Thursday.
MedFest (Physical Exams)
Tuesday, February 4 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Athletes will receive a free physical exam to ensure they are ready for competition.
Strong Minds (Mental Health Screenings)
Tuesday, February 4 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
A vital screening focused on mental health, providing athletes with the support they need to build emotional resilience.
Health Promotion (Health Education and Resources)
Wednesday, February 5 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 6 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A program dedicated to educating athletes about healthy living, including nutrition, physical activity, and wellness.
FunFitness (Physical Fitness Screenings)
Wednesday, February 5 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 6 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A fun and interactive screening that evaluates flexibility, strength, balance and endurance to help athletes improve their overall fitness.
These screenings are free to athletes and are designed to identify health issues early, provide resources, and offer follow-up care to ensure athletes have the best opportunity to perform their best. Healthy Athletes program is an integral part of the Special Olympics experience, reinforcing the importance of health as a foundation for athletic achievement.
STATE WINTER GAMES PARTNERS
Presenting Partner
Wertz Warriors
Statewide Partners
Real Estate One Charitable Foundation
SpartanNash
Amerisure
Toyota
Gun Lake Casino
Civic Partners
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Knights of Columbus
Water Warriors
Winter Games Indoor Special Events Partner
MiABLE