Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) has been empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities for more than fifty years. And while the Special Olympics community has faced a different year than we originally planned, our story is far from complete. In this year of uncertainty, we’ve felt how strong our resolve is to adapt and rise above the challenges before us.

While many are counting down until life is back to normal, imagine if the isolation we’ve experienced this year was your “normal”. As individuals with intellectual disabilities often face isolation disproportionately more than their peers, the past year has highlighted to the greater world the importance of community and connection.

This makes the work we do at Special Olympics Michigan so important - breaking down these barriers to offer an escape from the world of isolation and providing that sense of home. The disruption this year has been especially devastating to our community.

But as we look forward, we see hope on the horizon. With the support of our partners and donors like you, we’ve begun our process to a safe return to practice, remote at-home programs, and competitions.

Your support will give athletes a chance to leave isolation behind by participating in sports and socializing with their peers in a welcoming, celebratory, competitive environment. Any amount will begin supporting athletes right away!