Michigan Special Olympics Area 39

10/23/2026

We’re still looking for coaches to help out with basketball and snowshoeing at our Houghton (Saturdays mid-day) and Ironwood (Sundays early/mid afternoon) locations in Area 39. If we don’t get more volunteers and coaches, we might have to say "no" to some athletes who want to join in. We think this could be a really rewarding experience for everyone involved! The gift of time is truly special! Please email us at [email protected] if you are interested!

10/23/2026

We are still registering athletes for our 2026-27 winter sports season. Houghton area sports include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and basketball and will be practicing on Saturdays. Ironwood area sports include snowshoeing and basketball and will be practicing on Sundays. New athletes who have never participated in Special Olympics are always welcome! Join a wonderful, caring community of athletes, volunteers, and coaches!

10/20/2026

Area 39’s own athlete, Mindy, co-emceed with Michelle Dunaway at the Annual Leadership Conference Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony.

I get to emcee a lot of events. But when I get to take the stage with a Special Olympics Michigan athlete like Mindy, it’s another level of joy.

Together, we honored our Hall of Fame winners for 2026 - from athletes, to volunteers, to families. Seeing the impact and hearing the stories never ceases to amaze me.

Happy to be here 💜

10/19/2026

Area 39 Special Olympics Michigan is now registering athletes, coaches and volunteers for Winter Sports in the Houghton Area. Registration must be completed by November 2. Visit this link at:

10/19/2026

Area 39 Special Olympics Michigan is now registering athletes, coaches and volunteers for Winter Sports in the Ironwood Area. Registration must be completed by November 2. Visit this link at:

10/18/2026

Area 39 was well represented at the SOMI Annual Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids. Congratulations to Barney for earning the Inspirational Athlete of the Year award for Area 39 and Victoria for the Area 39 Volunteer of the Year award. Also attending the conference were Kellie who completed Athlete Leadership training, Mindy who helped emcee the awards ceremony, Billie who helps lead our Ironwood hub by coaching several sports as well as taking on leadership initiatives, and area directors Michael and Naomi.

10/12/2026

Area 39 Special Olympics Michigan thanks the Knights of Columbus Calumet Council for its generous gift of $1,097.74 to support our local athletes! This incredible donation will help send our athletes to future regional and state games. Our athletes and volunteers are beyond grateful to Calumet Council 1245 for their support!

10/04/2026

Area 39’s Kevin (aka 10-4) sings the national anthem at the UP regional bowling tournament in Iron Mountain.

10/04/2026

Area 39’s Kevin (aka 10-4) sings the national anthem at UP regional bowling tournament in Iron Mountain.

10/04/2026

Thanks so much to Area 38, Boss Snowplow, and Recreation Lanes in Iron Mountain for another great UP bowling regional! Our athletes and volunteers had a blast! We are especially proud of our area 39 athletes coming from both the Houghton and Ironwood areas to represent the northwest UP.