Winter Games commence Wednesday in Traverse City
The 33rd Annual Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games will take place Feb. 3 to 6 in Traverse City and Bellaire.
More than 950 athletes are expected to participate and compete, and more than 2,000 people are expected to attend and volunteer.
"The opening ceremonies are really a gigantic venue with all the spectators and athletes," said Vanessa Walsh, director of publica relations for the Special Olympics Michigan. "Everyone is in one spot only one time - other than the closing ceremonies taking place Thursday night."
There will be three different venues this year. The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Center Ice Arena and Schuss Village.
Time trials for all activities will begin on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the three different locations, lasting until 3 p.m.
The opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday night at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Events include figure skating, alpine skiing, show shoeing, cross country skiing, snowboarding and speed skating.
The Wertz Warriors will be sponsoring and presenting this year's games, and they have raised more than $300,000 annually for the event.
Grosse Ile senior Devin Radcliffe attended the games last year. He is enrolled in the Special Olympics course and called the experience very rewarding.
"I enjoyed watching the competitions and it felt really good to help out with something that leaves you feeling rewarded in the end," Radcliffe said.
There will be 104 volunteers from CMU, said Heather Burke, director of sports and training.
"Eighteen are coming from class and the others are from signing up through registration," she said.
Volunteers will be leaving Monday afternoon to head up to Traverse City.
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