Michigan
Special Olympics is a global organization that serves more than 3.4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.
Athlete competing at Special Olympics Michigan Winter GamesSpecial Olympics Michigan website
More than 20,679 athletes participate in Special Olympics Michigan programs. Michigan has one of the largest programs in the U.S., but we're always looking for more athletes! Special Olympics Athletes are young and old. They have different backgrounds and hometowns. Some are gifted athletes; others must work very hard just to reach the finish line.
Athelete Development
Although sports is the "vehicle," the ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate and receive respect as members of their communities. Through Special Olympics, athletes gain self-confidence and prove their own capabilities. Special Olympics Michigan is not just training for sports--it's training for life!
Training and Competition
Special Olympics helps children and adults with intellectual disabilities improve their fitness, learn sports skills, and experience the joy of winning through regular training and competition. It's a year-round program and athletes can train for many different sports. It enables families to train together, to have common goals and to become part of the sports world of Special Olympics. Through Special Olympics, athletes gain self-esteem and discipline, which carry over into school, home and the workplace.
Areas Served
Alcona County, Alger County, Allegan County, Alpena County, Antrim County, Arenac County, Baraga County, Barry County, Bay County, Benzie County, Berrien County, Branch County, Calhoun County, Cass County, Charlevoix County, Cheboygan County, Chippewa County, Clare County, Clinton County, Crawford County, Delta County, Dickinson County, Eaton County, Emmet County, Genesee County, Gladwin County, Gogebic County, Grand Traverse County, Gratiot County, Hillsdale County, Houghton County, Huron County, Ingham County, Ionia County, Iosco County, Iron County, Isabella County, Jackson County, Kalamazoo County, Kalkaska County, Kent County, Keweenaw County, Lake County, Lapeer County, Leelanau County, Lenawee County, Livingston County, Luce County, Mackinac County, Macomb County, Manistee County, Marquette County, Mason County, Mecosta County, Menominee Midland County, Missaukee County, Monroe County, Montcalm County, Montmorency County, Muskegon County, Newaygo County, Oakland County, Oceana County, Ogemaw County, Ontonagon County, Osceola County, Oscoda County, Otsego County, Ottawa County, Presque Isle County, Roscommon County, Saginaw County, St. Clair County, St. Joseph County, Sanilac County, Schoolcraft County, Shiawassee County, Tuscola County, Van Buren County, Washtenaw County, Wayne County, Wexford County