Oakland University has joined forces with the Great Michigan Race to help benefit Special Olympics Michigan Inc. (SOMI). The university is working to assemble a team of four fitness-minded students, alumni and faculty members, to band together in teams of four to test their endurance, problem-solving and teamwork. Oakland will host a Free Team contest on Wednesday, Sept. 8, from noon – 1p.m. on campus in the Fireside Lounge during Welcome Week @ OU.
"We are proud to be a partner in this exciting new initiative, and we are very pleased to support the effort to benefit our community and the good work of Special Olympics," said OU President Gary Russi, who is also a member of the Amazing Michigan Race Honorary Host Committee.
The Onyx Ice Arena in Rochester is taking center ice through their partnership with the Great Michigan Race to raise funding and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan. Friday, Aug. 20, the Onyx will kick off the Great Michigan Race Summer Classic adult hockey tournament fundraiser for 32 teams in four divisions to accommodate players of all ability levels. Players and fans will also be treated to a star-studded Detroit Red Wing Alumni Fundraiser Game on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 7:30 pm.
The game opener will be Karen Newman singing the national anthem, and Mickey Redmond will take the ice. A special program for special needs players will take center stage during pre-game activities, and a post-game mingle with photo opportunities, as well as Red Wings memorabilia and autographs will take place.
The event is open to the public and fans are welcome. Players may sign up to compete in the Summer Classic Tournament or play against Red Wing Alumni by contacting Rick Rachner at (248) 444-7774 or rick@getin2itive.com.
Supported by more than 20,000 volunteers, SOMI annually provides training and competitions to more than 17,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages through 23 different Olympic type sports. SOMI relies solely on funding from donors and special events. Visit somi.org for more information.