Jacob Nelson, a 19-year-old athlete from Chelsea, Michigan, is proving that there's no limit to what Special Olympics athletes can achieve. After years of excelling in sports like bocce and snowshoeing, Jacob has taken on a new role in the sports community—one that allows him to stay close to the action while giving back in a different way: by becoming a referee.
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.
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.
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."
Special Olympics Michigan(SOMI) is thrilled to announce the return of State Fall Games, an event that brings together athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and chaperones from across the state to celebrate sportsmanship, teamwork, and the pursuit of a more unified world. The 2024 State Fall Games – happening Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 – will feature golf, kayaking, cycling, and soccer competition, showcasing the dedication and talent of SOMI athletes.
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 19 to celebrate the opening of the outdoor sports complex and indoor athlete activity space at its state-of-the-art Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center. This event marks a significant moment in the 55-year history of SOMI and a key milestone in the construction of the world's largest inclusive sports training facility.
“We can’t believe all of this is for us,” said Max Erhardt, SOMI Athlete and Building Tomorrow’s Champions Capital Campaign Cabinet Member. “Before now, we played on other people’s fields and courts. You might not have seen us then. You will now. You will see everything we are capable of doing. Finally, we have a place to call home.”
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is dedicated to creating a world that accepts every person regardless of ability or disability. Our Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) partners are key advocates in this mission – the single largest grassroots fundraiser for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Runners with the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) are lacing up their shoes to help spread a message of inclusion for Special Olympics Michigan athletes by kicking off the 40th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Run Week, September 7-13, 2024.
Special Olympics Michigan(SOMI) is excited to announce State Softball Finals presented by Gallagher and the Detroit Tigers Foundation. Competition will take place Friday, August 23, at the Canton Sports Center. The event is set to begin at 9:30 AM and will feature a full day of quality sports competition, with games tentatively concluding at 4:00 PM.
This year’s SOMI State Softball finals will showcase 39 teams competing across 10 divisions, with a total delegation size of nearly 800, including more than 600 athletes. An additional 60 athletes will participate in individual skills events.
Congratulations to Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athlete, Aiden Yost, and Unified partner, Kayla Helferich, who have been named Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors.
The pair's hard work is being recognized at a national level following years of commitment to the Unified movement in Michigan.
Aiden and Kayla are both college sophomores. Their Unified journey began at their respective high schools - Grand Blanc High and School Grandville High School- where they quickly became leaders of the inclusion movements in their building, participating in Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programming.
For us, by us. It’s a motto that formed five years ago during an initial walkthrough of the former South Christian high school in Cutlerville, Michigan with an intimate group Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) staff, athletes, and their families.
“We walked around the fields, the building, the old classrooms and we asked the athletes ‘What do you want to do here? What do you need?’” said Tim Hileman, SOMI President & CEO. “From day one our athletes provided input and thought. We wouldn’t have this facility without our athletes.”
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.