The Michigan Special Olympics received $5 million from the state budget for its center on 68th Street. (June 29, 2023)
BYRON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – Special Olympics Michigan is embarking on the second step toward creating what it believes will be the largest inclusive sports facility in the world.
The organization has been planning the redevelopment of the former South Christian High School building since 2019 160 68th Street SW in Byron Township to the Special Olympics of Michigan Unified Sports and Inclusion Center. The renovations inside the building are already 50% complete.
Phase II of construction of the 17-acre outdoor sports complex was scheduled to begin Tuesday. When completed, it will include an eight-lane athletics track, five natural grass soccer fields, three pickleball courts, a putting and chipping green, ten bocce ball courts, an athlete promenade and an outdoor plaza.
A look inside the largest Special Olympics center in the world in Byron Twp.
“We can’t believe this is all for us,” Max Erhardt, SOMI athlete and cabinet member of the Building Tomorrow’s Champions Capital campaign, said in a press release. “We used to play on other people’s fields and courts. Maybe you didn’t see us back then. You will now. You’ll see what we’re capable of.”
Construction is expected to be completed before the end of 2024. Regional, state, national and international competitions will take place in the coming years.
Ten organizations, including Disability Advocates of Kent County, said they were kind. The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and the Autism Alliance of Michigan will be housed on campus and more are expected to join. The project hopes to improve collaboration and improve services for families.
“By sharing the same facility, our partners can learn from each other, complement programs and services, and provide greater opportunities as we help strengthen and build the champions of tomorrow,” SOMI President and CEO Tim Hileman said in a press release .
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