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NEWS

The week in photos: 2026 State Summer Games

| Author: Aaron Mills | Media Contact: Aaron Mills

Central Michigan University played host to the Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games for the 52nd time last week. The largest Special Olympics Michigan event of the year featured nearly 2,500 athletes plus more than 1,000 coaches and volunteers from across the state.

Take a look back at the 2026 Summer Games through the lens of the University Marketing and Communications team's talented photographers.

Five people in orange t-shirts walk underneath the CMU Voisin Arch
Special Olympics Michigan athletes, coaches and area directors stay and eat in CMU's residence halls during the State Summer Games. Photo by Michael Armistead.
An ROTC member holds a stop sign as pedestrians walk in a crosswalk
CMU ROTC assists athletes in making their way to the athletic facilities for competition. Photo by Michael Armistead.
A Special Olympics athlete in a blue shirt smiles while crossing the finish of a track race
Athletes compete in a variety of Olympic-style events, including athletics (track & field), bocce, developmental athletics, gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic), horseshoes, pickleball, powerlifting, swimming and volleyball. Photo by Maddison Hill.
An athlete competes in standing long jump while volunteers in orange shirts prepare to measure the jumping distance
More than 1,000 volunteers and coaches from across Michigan come to campus each year to help ensure a memorable experience for the athletes. Photo by Maddison Hill.
A female Special Olympics athlete competes in horseshoes
Athletes with intellectual disabilities can compete from ages 8 to 99 while children ages 2 through 7 participate in Young Athletes events. Photo by Maddison Hill.
A police officer poses for a photo with four Special Olympics athletes
During the Games, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan members honor and award medals to athletes. Photo by Michael Armistead.
A elementary school-aged Special Olim[ics athlete gives a police officer a high five
LETR for Special Olympics Michigan raises over $2.5 million annually, making it one of the top 10 LETR programs in the world. Photo by Michael Armistead.
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