SPECIAL OLYMPICS

CLARK LAKE, MI -- Michigan Law Enforcement made a lasting splash for Special Olympics Michigan at the annual polar plunge on Saturday, Jan. 28. Eagles Nest Bar & Grill hosted the event with a ‘Pre-Plunge Party’ and an ‘After-Splash Bash’ for jumpers and spectators. Related: Make a splash, raise some funds at the 2023 Clark Lake Polar PlungeMany jumpers wore creative costumes, including a strip of bacon and colored tutus. When the jumping concluded, participants had raised over $46,000, exceeding the original goal of $38,000. All of the donations will be given to Special Olympics Michigan to provide support for the over 23,000 athletes across the state.

CLARK LAKE, MI – Jump into frigid Clark Lake to help raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. The annual Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge is set for Saturday, Jan. 28, outside the Eagle’s Nest Bar & Grill, 1200 Eagle Point Road. Related: See jumpers take the Polar Plunge in frigid waters of Clark LakeRegistration for the event is free and can be done here. Check in begins at 12:30 p.m. with a “Pre-Plunge Party.” The actual plunge starts at 2 p.m., with awards afterward. More information is available on the Polar Plunge website.

A new sports program is emerging between a few Downriver districts called Unified Sports, which is part of the Special Olympics.

There are dozens of athletes who can now call themselves a champion after this weekend’s Special Olympics Michigan poly hockey and unified bowling finals.

Newsom said he had an "emotional response" to reports of DeSantis' threat and that he wanted to do "something a little bit more expressive."

Authorities do not suspect foul play.

Athletes taking part in the Special Olympics were flown in on private jets in the world's largest peacetime airlift.

The Special Olympics has dropped a coronavirus vaccine mandate for its games in Orlando after Florida moved to fine the organization $27.5 million for violating a state law against such requirements.

When you think about college football players, you think of big, tough, angry athletes looking to make a tackle, but this story may change your mind. Wednesday (May 25) was Victory Day at Eastern Michigan University, a day all about giving kids and adults with disabilities a chance to play on the football field.

Jefferson High School's Student Council hosted a Field Day for Monroe County ISD students, taking a Special Olympics approach to the event.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Special Olympics of Michigan recently welcomed two nonprofits that serve individuals with disabilities to its new facility taking shape on the campus of the former South Christian High School. Disability Advocates of Kent County and Threshold officially opened their new offices May 12 at the Special Olympics of Michigan Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, located at 160 68th Street SW.

MUSKEGON, MI-- Hundreds of people got a taste of the icy waters of Muskegon Lake during a Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 19. The event returned this year after being canceled the past few years due to COVID. The plunge helped raise funds for the Special Olympics. Organizers estimate 300 people participated in the Polar Plunge, raising around $1.4 million. 65 Muskegon's Polar PlungeAlso on MLive:Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Muskegon’s 18th Amendment Spirits Co. has ‘thoughtful cocktails, savory pizza’Divers shrug off frigid temperature for Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics MichiganMuskegon Sen. Jon Bumstead announces bid for re-election to new Senate district

KENT COUNTY, MI - Divers defied frigid temperatures to participate in a Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan on Saturday at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, a suburb of Grand Rapids. All funds raised by plungers help Special Olympics Michigan to provide year-round training and services athletes across the state with intellectual disabilities, according to the website. The Grand Rapids Polar Plunge event is one of many annual events organized by volunteers with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The plungers, who raised more than $100 for the event, were given an official Polar Plunge sweatshirt. 40 Divers take on cold for Grand Rapids Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics MichiganMore on MLive:10 people displaced in Holland apartment fireWest Michigan firefighters rescue German shepherd at house fire, provide oxygenMichigan’s Best Local Eats: Social House in Grand Rapids offers delicious food, cocktails

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Kalamazoo’s Polar Plunge came back after a year off in a new location, Bittersweet Ski Resort. Participants could donate to Special Olympics Michigan to take a dip in the freezing waters at the base of the slopes. Jared Birman of Kalamazoo enjoys the water while waiting for the pool to fill up for the Kalamazoo Polar Plunge at Bittersweet Ski Resort on Sunday, February 13, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comA jumper for the Kalamazoo Polar Plunge poses as she jumps into the water at Bittersweet Ski Resort on Sunday, February 13, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comJumpers for the Kalamazoo Polar Plunge jump into the cold waters at Bittersweet Ski Resort on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

For decades, a Metro Detroit neurosurgeon saved the lives of his patients. Now, Dr. Ken Casey needs a liver transplant. After his diagnosis during the summer of 2021, the entire family has been trying to find an organ donor.

CLARK LAKE, MI -- About 250 brave souls jumped into Clark Lake on Saturday Jan. 29, at the Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge. Many jumpers wore costumes to the plunge, including a merman and Maui from Disney’s Moana, while others sported swimsuits and sweatpants. The event raised $43,200 Special Olympics Michigan, surpassing the original goal of $35,000, organizers said. Special Olympics Michigan uses the funds to help to provide year-round training and services to more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. 28 Polar Plunge 2022 at Clark LakeRead more from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Pets of the week: Liz likes to wrestle.

CLARKLAKE, MI -- The annual Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge returned to Clark Lake on Saturday, Jan. 29, as participants braved the frigid temperatures to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan. Many jumpers wore costumes to the plunge, including a merman and Maui from Disney’s Moana, while others sported swimsuits and sweatpants. All donations will be given to Special Olympics Michigan to provide year-round training and services to over 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. More on MLive:Law firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environmentMichigan COVID numbers are becoming unmanageable. This ‘premier’ Michigan substitute teacher goes where he’s needed to help keep schools open during COVID

The pandemic has disproportionately affected Latinos in the United States, and the loss of fitness opportunities is important for a community already challenged by health issues. The Special Olympics debuted a first-of-its-kind Spanish-language campaign to promote fitness for Latino athletes with intellectual disabilities during the pandemic. (Left to right) Luis Villa, Victor Campos and Cristina Mancilla, the Latino Outdoors volunteers on a hike in Southern California’s Inland Empire region, east of Los Angeles. When the pandemic hit, “we saw those high visitation numbers in outdoor places. During the pandemic, Latino Outdoors has set records for the number of people who joined its volunteer leadership program, “Crecemos Outdoors.” They included San Francisco Bay Area resident and veteran hiker Ruby Aguirre-Gutierrez.

In 2022, Special Olympics will sponsor in-person and virtual plunges, with the goal of raising more than $1 million dollars.

CLARK LAKE, MI – People can once again jump into a freezing Clark Lake in January to raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. Related: Polar Plunge jumpers brave frigid temperatures at Clark Lake“It’s a lot of fun and it’s a once in a lifetime experience,” Coordinator Lacey Duncan said. Those watching can expect to see participants dressed in costumes or uniforms to jump into Clark Lake, Duncan said. Registration to plunge is free and can be done through the Polar Plunge website. The Polar Plunge took a break in 2020 due to COVID-19, opting for a virtual plunge in replacement.

Nearly 250 athletes compete in soccer, softball, and golf in the statewide Special Olympics Fall Games tournament.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Disability Advocates of Kent County is closing in on its goal of raising $2.5 million to build new headquarters at the future Special Olympics of Michigan campus at the former South Christian High School building in Byron Township. David Bulkowski, executive director for Disability Advocates of Kent County, said his staff is spread among four office suites at 3600 Camelot Dr. He also hopes the new space, which will house several other disability organizations as well as space for Special Olympics of Michigan, will boost the nonprofit’s profile. Disability Advocates is expected to move into its new, 8,600-square-foot headquarters at the former high school in April 2022. Besides Special Olympics and Disability Advocates of Kent County, the building would also host: Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Autism Support of Kent County, Thresholds, MOKA, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Broady’s Be Café, Bulkowski said.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is hundreds of miles and spans nearly the entire length of Michigan.

The Olympics and Paralympics have for decades been held in tandem, and both celebrate world-class athletic achievement. The Special Olympics differs in key ways.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- With nearly $7 million already raised, plans to transform a former West Michigan high school into the world’s largest Special Olympics facility is taking shape. The plan is to invest about $20 million to renovate and transform the school into the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center. The Meijer Foundation helped support the Special Olympics Michigan project in Cutlerville. “Our team members who come out of the Special Olympics community are some of our finest employees,” he said. To donate to the building project, visit the Building Tomorrow’s Champions page on the Special Olympics Michigan web page.

“As a parent of someone who will eventually participate in Special Olympics when she’s willing and able, I feel like it’s my responsibility to make sure that program is thriving,” Deanna Panatera said. “We want our Reese to be able to have that same experience and team companionship and healthy competition she sees her friends and family having.”

KENT COUNTY, MI - Ryan Musch’s first Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan experience veered from tradition on Sunday. Local architect and construction firms teamed up with Special Olympics Michigan and Gaines and Byron Township public safety professionals to raise money to support the nonprofit’s athletes. Besides Fishbeck, there were employees from Mathison| Mathison Architects, Honor Construction, Cutlerville Fire Department, Dutton Fire Department, Byron Township Fire Department, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. So far, Special Olympics Michigan has raised $625,400, surpassing their original goal of $500,000, officials say. For more information, visit the Special Olympics Michigan website here.

The annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan serves as a fundraising event that contributes to the “year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 23,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Michigan,” according to the organization’s website. So far, Special Olympics Michigan has raised $625,400, surpassing their original goal of $500,000. For Ryan Musch, an engineer and design team member with Fishbeck helping with renovations for the Special Olympics Michigan building, this was his first-ever Polar Plunge. “Special Olympics, they do great things for athletes of Michigan, they’ve got a great movement here in Michigan. For more information, visit the Special Olympics Michigan website here.

This year, the Clawson Police and Fire Department raised a total of $2702 for the Special Olympics Charity. Clawson Police and Fire Department members embraced the cold of Michigan winter for a good cause. Police officers Ryan Tracy and Scott Vierk joined firefighters Connor Winther and David O’Connell for a polar plunge to help raise money for the Special Olympics. Check out the video below -- and donate to the cause here.

Each year a Polar Plunge takes place at the winter blast to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan -- this year the polar plunge will be virtual. Anna Blakeslee is an events coordinator for Special Olympics Michigan. “Everyone just gets to be a little bit more creative in how they take the plunge this year,” Blakeslee said. Anyone can register online to do the polar plunge at home. How to register:Click here to register for the virtual polar plunge, 5K, or fun runUse the code LOCAL4 to get $5 off registration for the 5KThe virtual event is designed to raise awareness for Special Olympics Michigan.

MILFORD, Mich. – A trailer purchased for a nonprofit in support of adults with special needs has been stolen. For two years, the group saved up more than $8,000 and bought the trailer last month for their firewood selling business. But with their new trailer stolen, Hall has put up their tent rental assets for sale to raise money. “We need the trailer more than we need the tents,” he said. Their tent business was impacted last year because of COVID-19.

(Gary Schottle via AP)Gary Schottle arrived in time to see the other kids in line hitting and jumping on his young son. Special Olympics changed everything. Special Olympics has since branched out to more than 170 countries, empowering more than 5 million athletes who had often been cast aside. In 20 years of Special Olympics competition, Tank's confidence has soared, his leadership spreading across playing fields, the Houston area and beyond. Once one of the bullied, he has become a living embodiment of the Special Olympics message.

Special Olympics was always more than the competition, though, she said. Everyone involved became close. She knew Moose watched “The Wizard of Oz” countless times, and that he knew all the words and the songs. He and some of the other athletes also loved Elvis, offering facts about his life or dancing to his music. A few picked Elvis as their costume for several Halloweens.

Thats the theme of the Monroe Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan. Participants will brave the cold and plunge into a pool at Mugsys, according to a news release from Special Olympics Michigan. If participants raise $75, theyll earn a Polar Plunge long sleeve T-shirt. The annual Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan, raising more than $1 million each year. About 30 polar plunges are scheduled to take place throughout the state this winter.

First Lady Michelle Obama and award-winning singers Stevie Wonder and Justin Beiber were just a few of the notables inaugurating this year's Special Olympics in Los Angeles. CBSN's Contessa Brewer covers the opening events.