LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) - More than 1,200 athletes from 46 counties across the state of Michigan are competing in Mid-Michigan this weekend.
They’re in town for the Poly Hockey and Unified Bowling State Finals.
The Poly Hockey Finals are taking place at Lansing Eastern High School and Fieldhouse located at 220 N. Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Unified Bowling Finals, which features athletes with and without intellectual disabilities competing together on the same teams, are being held at Spare Time Entertainment Center located at 3101 E. Grand River Ave.
This event is one of six state-level competitions held every year.
Athletes train all-year for this event, some will even compete in the USA games in 2018.
"Poly hockey is a unique sport because it’s pretty intense,” said Nick Caudle, Senior Manager of Special Olympics Michigan. “For so long so many athletes with intellectual disabilities didn’t have a chance to compete in sports or show off their abilities but by doing this we allow them to show on a big stage and a big platform what they can do."
Athletes were offered free dental screenings through the Special Smiles program.
The competition continues into Sunday. It is free and open to the public.
