2010 State Winter Games

Athletes left Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Feb. 5 with big smiles on their faces, and gold, silver and bronze medals glistening around their necks or ribbons in their hands. Special Olympics Michigan athletes worked hard during training and showed off their skills in competitions for Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Speed Skating and Figure Skating. Approximately 1,100 athletes, coaches, chaperones and area management team members were in attendance at the 2010 State Winter Games. You could see the joy and excitement on every athlete's face as they competed.

A special tribute video played during Opening Ceremonies honoring Mark "The Bird" Fidrych for his 17 years of riding with the Wertz Warriors and contributions to athletes. Mark joined the Special Olympics Michigan family in 1993 when he became a Wertz Warrior. He helped raise millions of dollars during his partnership with the Wertz Warriors, serving as their spokesman. The State Winter Games had a baseball theme honoring Mark, a former Detroit Tiger. Athletes presented a copy of the DVD to Mark's wife and daughter. Although watching the tribute video was emotional for everyone in the room, athletes didn't let it get their spirits down as they chanted "Let the Games Begin."

The Wertz Warriors presented a check for $285,000 to Special Olympics Michigan at Opening Ceremonies. This brings the total amount raised for Special Olympics Michigan athletes in 29 years to $8,229,000!

Everyone had a great time because there was so much to do! Athletes had a chance to get celebrity autographs from former NFL player Tom Watkins, Miss Southwest Michigan 2010, Miss Southwest Michigan Teen 2010 and MAC Champ Central Michigan University player Tommy Mama. In addition, special events were offered such as the famous dog sled rides, ice bowling, ice volleyball, broomball, sledding hills, ice-skating, arts & crafts, snowshoe walk and tubing just to name a few.

On Thursday night, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey was the emcee for Closing Ceremonies. Closing Ceremonies were followed by the highly anticipated Victory Dance! Athletes, volunteers, coaches and parents danced the night away.

Departure from the hotel was a bittersweet moment. State Winter Games is something athletes look forward to for months. Now it's time to go home and show off all those medals had just begun.

Presenting Sponsor:  Wertz Warriors

Statewide Sponsors:  Spartan Stores and Real Estate One

Civic Sponsors: Law Enforcement Torch Run, Knights of Columbus and Water Warriors

Media Sponsors: 9&10 News, Fox 32 News and LAMAR Outdoor Advertising

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank our friends & supporters for their generous support to the success of the 2010 State Winter Games: Dean Transportation, Morse Moving, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Sound Productions, Mark Send, Shanty Creek Resort, Jay's Sporting Goods, National Guard, Sam's Club, My Chance To Dance, Traverse City State Bank, Norm Weber & The Dog Sled Team, Howe Ice Arena, Central Motor Sports, Dr. John Cilluffo, Hoopini Comfort Fitness Hoops, Houdeks Pumping, Bill Marsh, Hartzler Transportation, Elmer's, Cherry Capital Winter Wonderfest, Far Out Photo's, K.B. Sutton and the Massage Team, The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation, Michigan Gas Utilities, and Ron and Deb Achtenberg.

Posted: 2010-02-10