For over 50 years, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) has sought to create a community of inclusion where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. While many know us as a sports program, we are so much more! Each year thousands of athletes across Michigan participate in not only sports, but also health, fitness, and wellness programming along with leadership development.
In 2019, the Board of Directors of SOMI purchased the former South Christian High School building in Grand Rapids with the dream of turning this 127,000 sq. ft. facility on 17 acres into the largest Special Olympics training and sports center in the world!
When SOMI began planning for this inclusive space, we underestimated the excitement and energy such a move would create. What started as a small seed of hope blossomed into a facility hosting partnering organizations that support those with physical and intellectual disabilities as well as mental health challenges. Through this new collaborative model, it is no exaggeration to say that the programs and resources offered at this facility will touch nearly every family in our region in some way.
These non-profit partner tenants include:
- American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
- Autism Alliance of Michigan
- Autism Support of Kent County
- be nice. Mental Health Foundation of WM
- Community Living Services
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
- Disability Advocates of Kent County
- Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
- Far Out Volleyball
- Thresholds