SOMI Fun Facts
What do the athletes receive when they win in their Special Olympics event?
A medal
Who started Special Olympics?
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
What is SOMI Healthy Athlete Program?
It is a program through SO that offers free health screenings to athletes so that they can be healthy in their sports and their lives!
True or False: Special Olympics MI has snowshoeing
True
SOMI has some really fun winter sports, name at least two that happen outside.
Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing
What is the job called where athletes speak at events and serve on committees
Global Messengers
What was the big Special Olympics event that was in Detroit in 2022
The Unified Cup
What does the healthy hearing program do?
They screen hearing to make sure that athletes are hearing well!
Name the two water-related sports that SOMI has
Swimming and kayaking
What is the event called where law enforcement officers from across Michigan carry the Flame of Hope to the venue, symbolizing the arrival of the Games and the spirit of inclusion.
The Torch Run
Special Olympics has a big event to raise money every year where people jump into ice water. What is that event called?
The polar plunge
Where were the first Special Olympics games held?
Chicago
What kind of healthcare professional will you see at Fit Feet screenings?
A podiatrist
What program can 2 year olds join at Special Olympics
The young athletes program
How does Special Olympics MI winter games end?
With closing ceremonies and the victory dance
How many participants does Special Olympics MI have?
23,807
In 1993, astronaut Dave Wolf, a Special Olympics advocate, took what piece of Special Olympics memorabilia aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during a mission?
A flag
Name at least two SOMI healthy athletes disciplines.
Healthy hearing, special smiles, opening eyes, funfitness, fit feet, health promotion, medfest, strong minds, and healthy young athletes
What is the biggest Special Olympics event?
World games
In what SOMI winter sport do athletes perform artistic routines on ice, combining jumps, spins, and footwork
Figure skating
What is the motto of Special Olympics?
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
What famous runner served as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador?
The famous athlete Usain Bolt has served as a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics, helping to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and celebrating the athletes' incredible achievements.
About how many health screenings does Special Olympics Michigan do a year?
How many sports does SOMI have?
24
What year was the first SOMI winter games?
1970