GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Special Olympics Michigan kicked off their 2026 Winter Games are now underway
Skater hit the ice at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center for a chance to win the gold and show off moves they have been perfecting for over a year.
For almost a decade, Mera Kumar has been ice skating with Special Olympics Michigan.
She said for her, the experience has been amazing.
Special Olympics Michigan has been going on even longer, dating back to 1970.
President and CEO Tim Hileman says SOMI takes a village to put on, adding that the community is one of the greatest things about Special Olympics Michigan.
Over 800 athletes have trained for this week, like Mera, who has been training since this summer.
She said she first heard about Special Olympics Michigan from a friend’s mom, and loves the comradery it brings.
Mera Kumar, Ice Skater “what I really enjoy about Special Olympics is the new athletes that you would like, you know, get to meet from like different areas along with. Along with, I kinda want to say, having fun and going with the vibe for every event you know, ”
Special Olympics Michigan is completely funded by fundraisers like Polar Pledges, the Law Enforcement Torch run, and Wertz Warriors.
Tim said that the budget for Special Olympics Michigan is $10 million, with the winter games costing $700,000.
All the fundraising means the games are completely free for those who participate.
Tim added that the Winter games are always held in Grand Traverse County.
He said that there’s not a lot of places that have incredible winter venues, but the county also allows them the opportunity to come together for three great days.
At the ice rink Wednesday, Mera was able to win not one, but two gold medals in Division 4 short program and Division 4 long program, both in the women’s category.
While she could not be interview after winning, the joy on her face, and all those who participated, was infectious.