Special Olympics Michigan Souvenirs Help People Cherish Great Memories

By Jenna Rummer

Large crowds eagerly surrounded the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games souvenir sale to get their hands on items to remind them of the games. Austin, Inc. provided the booth for State Winter Games merchandise. The Wertz Warriors also had a booth with merchandise provided by Signature Sports & Promotion in Clinton Township.

The 2010 State Winter Games souvenir sale offered a large variety of merchandise that represents Special Olympics Michigan, Wertz Warriors and the 2010 State Winter Games logo that commemorates long time Wertz Warriors member Mark Fidrych and his contributions over 17 years. The 2010 State Winter games and Wertz Warriors Snowmobile Endurance Ride were dedicated to Mark. Items displaying these various logos included frisbees, pens, backpacks, shirts, sweatshirts, radios, and flashlights. The items ranged in price from $3 to $30 dollars.

Mike Thompson has been a volunteer at the Special Olympics State Winter Games for 20 years and worked at the State Winter Games souvenir sale. "The athletes are getting a lot out of it. We've got a lot of good products. People are really enjoying the Mark Fidrych gear," said Thompson.

Area 21 athlete Randy Taylor bought a Wertz Warriors T-shirt to celebrate the fond memories he had with the Wertz Warriors. Wertz Warriors are friends of mine," said Randy.

For some, purchasing souvenirs is a way to remember their time at the games. This is the case for Area 27 athlete Rebecca Hammond. Every year her mother Shannon gets her a pin for each Games she goes to.  "She has a felt banner she puts all her pins on. It has been a tradition since her second or third Games," said Shannon.

Area 27 athlete Judy Miller bought a Special Olympics Michigan FM scan radio. "I wanted to buy something with my own money and got it because I'm skiing tomorrow," said Judy.

Posted: 2010-02-10