A National Guard Service member dances with a Special Olympics athlete during the closing ceremony victory dance on Friday, June 2 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Since the start of the Special Olympics Michigan Summer Games more than 45 years ago, a special bond continues to grow between athletes and members of the Michigan National Guard.
The Michigan National Guard sends volunteers to help control traffic, present medals and interact with athletes and families. Members were on the field for Friday night’s closing ceremony, trading autographs and dancing with SOMI olympians.
Silver medal winning swimmer Matthew Emert got a selfie with many of the volunteer members after his events on Saturday.