It’s going to be plenty cold and there just enough snow to get the Special Olympics State Winter Games started this weekend at Grand Traverse Resort.
Hundreds of athletes, volunteers, and coaches have come together to celebrate inclusion and competition.
“There’s no way to really describe it until you’ve been in it,” says Special Olympics Michigan President and CEO Tim Hileman, “It’s an energy unlike anything else.”
“Honestly, I loved it it was amazing,” says Eric Lemmon, a rookie athlete from Traverse City.
It’s loud. It’s exciting and there’s a lot of energy. The Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games are officially underway as the Opening Ceremonies wrapped up on Wednesday.
“Got probably 2,000 people in a room,” says John Casteel, Grand Traverse Area Director, “Because it’s enclosed, it’s just tremendously energetic.”
“States around the country kind of look at Michigan, at their state winter games and say, ‘Boy, that’s how you do it right,’” says Hileman.
“The winter games have become my favorite event every year,” says Joe Kaszynski an athlete from Midland.
The ceremony is a recognition of those who help make competition possible for these athletes and the athletes that shine through despite any shortcomings.
“It has changed my whole life,” says Kaszynski, “Special Olympics made me the man I am today.”
On Thursday these athletes will hit the slopes, strap on the snowshoes or skates and fight for their medals but Wednesday night it was a celebration of getting this far.
“It’s a celebration of everything that they work towards, that they’ve accomplished,” says Hileman, “It’s a celebration of knowing that there’s people out there that really care and support them.”
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