Cheers from the sidelines rang out on Central Michigan University’s campus this weekend. Around 2,500 athletes in over 90 events will be competing this weekend during the annual games.
According to Bo Parker, the director of communications and multimedia of the games, the enduring legacy comes from the continued support of Central Michigan University and the Mount Pleasant community.
“Central Michigan University is a huge partner. They have the resources and facilities to put on this large-scale event and really have the buy-in to the organization,” Parker said.
Many of the games played can be seen in the Paris Olympics this summer, such as swimming and gymnastics. Other games unique to Michigan’s games include bocce and horseshoe.
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Area 14's Nick Megee holds the Flame of Hope with Hillsdale County Sgt. John Gates on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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Brian Finley waves to Special Olympic areas 14 and 25 as they enter Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Mount Pleasant, Mi. Finley's son Brian was one of the carriers of the Flame of Hope during the opening ceremonies.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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The sign holder for Michigan Special Olympic area 30 leads his team in between the line of law enforcement, the Knights of Columbus and volunteers on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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Special Olympic athletes from Michigan's area 8 high-five law enforcement and the Knights of Columbus on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, in Mount Pleasant, Mi.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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Athletes from Michigan Special Olympics area 14 fist bump fans on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, in Mount Pleasant, Mi.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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Area 8 Special Olympic athlete Elijah Haines dunks a beach ball on a Kelly/Shorts Stadium goalpost on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Mount Pleasant, Mi. Haines is competing in volleyball at this year's games.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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Area 8 Special Olympic athletes Israel Niybizi, left and Immanuel Mitchell, right, dance to Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Niybizi is competing in bocce and Mitchell is competing in track events.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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Area 20 members Cheyenne Curts, left, and Jason Ferrise, right, talk during the 2024 Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, in Mount Pleasant, Mi. Curts has been attending for 15 years, and competing in events like bocce for 7. 2024 is Ferrise's first year at the games, working as a volunteer.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
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Carol Sheldon holds son Stone Sheldon's hand after exiting the Special Olympic Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Mount Pleasant, Mi. Stone is competing in bocce and bowling, along with his twin Ryder, who is a volleyball athlete.
Ellie Frysztak / WCMU
Liz Viele is a 20-year veteran gymnast and a member of the games’ executive board of directors. Her best advice to new athletes is to experience the games beyond the arena.
“Just have fun," Viele said. "The experience is so cool. You can meet others once you get older and you get to know your fellow athletes. When you're competing, you can just be friends with them, even if you are from another area.”
As the Mount Pleasant tradition continues, Parker hopes the community the games have built lives on.
“I hope that that the legacy is inclusion. I hope that people through sport can accomplish great things. Maybe people that were marginalized in the past can really see and feel through acceptance,” Parker said.
Michigan Special Olympic athletes will continue to compete in state events throughout the year.
