Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athlete, C.J. VanSkiver, 24, has received vision screenings for as long as she can remember.
“Every time I get my eyes checked I am told my eyes are fine,” VanSkiver explained.
It wasn’t until a trip through Healthy Athletes Village at the 2024 State Summer Games, that her eyes were truly opened. “When I was told I needed glasses, I was confused and shocked,” VanSkiver recalled.
Michigan-based MOO-ville Ice Cream has unveiled a new flavor aimed at backing Special Olympics Michigan. Named "Go for Gold," the flavor was created and inspired by SOMI athletes from Area 11 (Kent & Barry counties), featuring chocolate ice cream with ribbons of golden caramel and Butterfinger.
Located in Nashville, Michigan, MOO-ville Ice Cream is renowned for its handcrafted flavors and community involvement. The decision to create "Go for Gold" arose from a desire to celebrate the spirit of perseverance and achievement embodied by Special Olympics Michigan athletes.
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is excited to mark a historic milestone, celebrating 50 years of in-person State Summer Games on the campus of Central Michigan University (CMU), May 30 – June 1, 2024. More than 2,500 athletes from across the state will compete in 90 events, commemorating five decades of quality sports competition.
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.
The NFL Draft provides a collective opportunity for millions of fans across the globe to come together and support the next generation of players as they begin their NFL careers. This year in Detroit, inspirational fans, community leaders, and special guests will join the NFL and participate in the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light by announcing select picks live on stage and remotely.
“I look good,” said Danny Ristich, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athlete, soliciting a big laugh from the crowd as the hockey goalie commented on the professional gear he was wearing following an hour of warding off pucks during hockey drills.
The loudest laugh came from friend, Dylan Larkin, standing at his side as the two took questions from the media together. “Danny is always making Waterford very, very proud,” Larkin, Detroit Red Wings hockey captain said of this friend. “One of our local heroes.”
Walking through the empty lobby of Eastern Michigan University’s George Gervin GameAbove Center – a state-of-the-art sports complex that rivals professional stadiums – one would question if they had arrived at the correct location for an event.
The turn styles and ticket booths that spectators crowded through on game days stood empty, and there was not another person to be found at the front of the building.
The initial $1.5 million collective fundraising goal for more than 25 locations statewide was reached only weeks into the 2024 Polar Plunge season. The Polar Plunge season closed well above its anticipated target, with 8,600 hundred Plungers raising more than $1.9 million.
Championship medals are waiting to be awarded Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) State Basketball Finals. More than 80 teams from across Michigan will compete for top honors Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16.
Join the excitement as Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes and Unified partners from more than 60 counties across Michigan take part in the 2024 State Winter Games presented by Wertz Warriors. The celebration runs January 30 – February 2 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (GTRS), Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts, and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center.
January 30 - February 2
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa / Schuss Mountain / Howe Arena
Get ready for some spirited competition and fun in the snow. Stay tuned here for all the information regarding the competition and other important updates regarding the games!
Special Olympics Michigan on track for a record-breaking Polar Plunge season with more than 25 locations statewide. The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), a movement of volunteers dedicated to increasing awareness and funds for SOMI athletes across the state. In 2023, through grassroots fundraising efforts, LETR raised more than $2 million for SOMI athletes.