Summer Games end with closing ceremony celebration


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Two special olympians hug during the Special Olympics Michigan Summer Games closing ceremony on Friday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Despite the chance of rain, more than 5,000 Special Olympians, coaches, chaperones and volunteers danced into the night at the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics Summer Games at Kelly/Shorts stadium.

An annual tradition, the Bay City Moose Riders were in attendance, signing autographs and displaying their motorcycles for the athletes. Moose Riders State Chairman Greg McCarty got the crowd excited for the ceremony, promising to come back next year.

"Thank you for inviting us," he said. "We come here because of you guys."

Among those signing autographs was Central Michigan University Community Policing Officer Tim Prout, who has been attending the Summer Games for 33 years.

"This is the best weekend of the year," Prout said. "All you have to do is look out and see the fun (the athletes) are having." 

The athletes were entertained with music from Emily Yob, a student at Clare High School, who sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Go the Distance" from Disney's "Hercules." Also performing was Matt Moore, an alternative singer from Mount Pleasant. 

The athlete king and queen was announced, with Special Olympians Brandon Nelson as king and Paula Vincent as queen. SOMI Director Bob Chadwick announced the Inspirational Athlete of the Year.

"This person is positive in a difficult situation," Chadwick said. "Even when he's losing a game, he accepts the loss graciously."

The Inspirational Athlete was Cody Floury, a powerlifter, who offered some advice to the audience followed by an uproar of applause.

"Work hard and do your responsibilities," he said. "Do how we do it."

Signaling the end of the ceremony, the Moose Riders revved their engines. This let the Law Enforcement Torch Runners know it was time to lead the "YMCA." 

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About Sydney Smith

Sydney Smith is a super-senior at Central Michigan University. She comes from metro Detroit ...

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