Athletes compete, celebrate at Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games

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TRAVERSE CITY — Hugs, smiles and terms of endearment were seen and heard among the competition at the 2011 Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games.

More than 1,000 athletes from across Michigan participated in the week’s events including snowshoeing, skiing, speed and figure skating.

The winter games took place between Traverse City, Acme and Bellaire.

Joanna Zang has volunteered as an Area 10 speed and figureskating coach in Huron County for about 10 years. She was a coach for the winter games this week.

“Our teams are very supportive and help one another,” she said. “They love coming to the games.”

Damon Williams is a member of Area 10’s speed skating team and is still new to the sport. He put his first skate to the ice about a month and a half ago, Zang said.

“I only started practicing in December,” Williams said. “I just love it because it’s fun and I love the dances and my friends.”

Even though Williams has skated a short time, Zang said he’s an amazing athlete and never gives up. She said he’s a great example of the spirit of the athletes at the winter games.

“It doesn’t matter how many times he falls” Zang said, “he always gets back up and tries again.”

Many athletes spend months practicing for the games. But competition isn’t always the main concern of the people taking part.

Dakkota Brace, 11, competed in all areas of the games. He practiced for the last six weeks to compete in the 50- and 75-meter snowshoe races.

“I love to run,” said Dakkota, a member of Area 33 in Cheboygan County. “I like to go as fast as I can.”

Her coach, Michelle Schoolcraft, said the athletes have practiced hard since November.

“Most of the time we would set up a pretend race in the parking lot,” she said. “We set up cones and just run back and forth.”

The winter games also gave an opportunity for the athletes to have fun with one another and discover new things.

Activities such as dog-sled races were new and entertaining to many athletes, said Area 23 coach Steve Kleczynski of Wayne County.

“I’m a special ed teacher, so the winter games are something different and cool for my kids,” he said. “They’ve really enjoyed themselves, especially to get away from home and parents.”