Key Takeaways:
- Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has been named the 2025 Sports Partner of the Year by Special Olympics Michigan
- The partnership between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Special Olympics Michigan has grown to include year-round athlete engagement and support
- The Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers have hosted multiple events for Special Olympics Michigan athletes, including skills clinics and games
- The partnership aims to promote inclusion and community understanding, providing opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to engage with professional athletes and teams
- Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has been a champion of the partnership, supporting Special Olympics Michigan through events and fundraising efforts
Introduction to the Partnership
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has been recognized as the 2025 Sports Partner of the Year by Special Olympics Michigan, a testament to the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusion and community engagement. The partnership between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Special Olympics Michigan has been in place for over 10 years, with a significant expansion in the last three years to include year-round athlete engagement and support. This partnership has enabled Special Olympics Michigan athletes to participate in various events and activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
The Role of the Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings have played a significant role in the partnership, hosting multiple events for Special Olympics Michigan athletes, including the Red Wings’ Poly Hockey Skills Clinics at Little Caesars Arena. These clinics provide an opportunity for current Red Wings players to meet with athletes, lead drills, and provide equipment, demonstrating a commitment to the Special Olympics community through player involvement and community engagement. The Red Wings also host "SOMI Night" at Little Caesars Arena each season, offering exclusive hats and supporting fundraising efforts. The Red Wings Alumni Association has also joined the efforts, having Special Olympics Michigan athletes serve on coaching staffs for select alumni games.
The Impact of the Partnership
The partnership between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Special Olympics Michigan has had a significant impact on the lives of Special Olympics athletes. According to Bridget Ryley, Strategic Partnerships Advisor for Special Olympics Michigan, "Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has demonstrated what it looks like when a major league stage becomes a stage that everyone can stand on." The partnership has provided opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to engage with professional athletes and teams, promoting inclusion and community understanding. The events and activities hosted by the Red Wings and Tigers have also helped to raise awareness about the abilities and contributions of Special Olympics athletes, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
The Role of the Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have also been instrumental in promoting inclusion and community engagement through their partnership with Special Olympics Michigan. The team has built a culture of inclusion, embracing Special Olympics Michigan’s State Softball Tournament and welcoming Special Olympics Michigan’s gold-medal softball teams to Comerica Park for a night of true belonging in the big leagues. The Detroit Tigers Foundation invites Special Olympics softball teams to select games each season for special access, including batting practice and a chance to meet Tigers players. This collaboration highlights the athletes’ abilities and fosters community understanding and unity.
The Importance of Leadership
The partnership between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Special Olympics Michigan has been championed by Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who has been a visible and unwavering supporter of the partnership since 2015. Larkin’s involvement has helped to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and community engagement, and his support has been recognized by Special Olympics Michigan. According to Ryley, "Having the support of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is a cherry on top and something our athletes and organization takes deep pride in." The leadership and commitment demonstrated by Larkin and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment have been instrumental in promoting the partnership and fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
Conclusion
The partnership between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Special Olympics Michigan is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. The events and activities hosted by the Red Wings and Tigers have provided opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to engage with professional athletes and teams, promoting inclusion and community understanding. The leadership and commitment demonstrated by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, particularly through the involvement of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, have been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and belonging. As the partnership continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the lives of Special Olympics athletes and the broader community. For more information about Special Olympics Michigan, visit SOMI.org.