MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - After months of intense training, nearly 3,000 Special Olympics Michigan athletes are looking forward to showing their skills and competing at the State Summer Games. This year's Games, which are presented by Spartan Stores, will continue the tradition of taking place on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant from June 2-4. Special Olympics Michigan's State Summer Games are the second largest Special Olympics Summer Games in the world.
To kick off this year's State Summer Games, a special press conference will be held on the steps of the Capitol building in Lansing the morning of the opening ceremonies. President and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan and Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Mike Marutiak is scheduled to speak and be part of the lighting of the "Flame of Hope."
Opening ceremonies, featuring Miss Michigan 2004 Kelli Talicska as Master of Ceremonies, will take place at Kelly/Shorts Stadium at CMU on Thursday, June 2. Opening ceremonies will include a parade of athletes, lighting of the cauldron to signify the opening of the Games, and music from Rich Eddy's Rockin' Oldies Band. Competition will take place Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, with closing ceremonies on Friday evening.
Competition will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 3-4, at venues across the campus of CMU. Ten types of competition are offered at the State Summer Games, including aquatics, bocce ball, bowling, horseshoes, power/weightlifting, track and field events, rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, motor activities training program, team handball and volleyball. Spectators are encouraged to come support the athletes at the State Summer Games, and can do so free of charge.
The nearly 3,000 athletes qualified for the State Summer Games after qualifying in their local competitions throughout the year. Individuals with severe or multiple disabilities participate in developmental athletics or the motor activities training program.
The State Summer Games is one of eight annual statewide competitions for the athletes of Special Olympics Michigan. The Special Olympics Michigans' programs are offered at no cost to the athletes or their families. Being a privately funded $6.2 million program, Special Olympics Michigan relies on the support of Michigan individuals and businesses to ensure that their program will continue to be offered to the approximately 12,400 athletes involved.
CloseCall America/Affinity Telecom and Real Estate One are Bronze Level Sponsors of the Games. All the State Summer Games events are open to the public and walk-in volunteers are welcome. For more information on Special Olympics Michigan, the 2005 State Summer Games, or how to sponsor an athlete, visit www.somi.org, or call 800-644-6404.
