sdaguanno posted on June 28, 2010 15:57
June 14/Rochester, MI – The Great Michigan Race to benefit Special Olympics Michigan Inc. (SOMI) has been recognized as a quality physical activity event by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.
Michigan is ready for something new, and this unique event promises to be a competitive experience with a twist. The Great Michigan Race calls the fitness-minded to band together in teams of four to test their endurance, problem-solving and teamwork skills on Sunday, October 17, 2010. The Rochester area will serve as the playground for the 10-challenge course through this 3 mile route in this all day event. The Royal Park Hotel will serve as the hub, providing accommodations for the pre-race activities and post-race awards celebration, which offers prizes, food and entertainment. Only 200 teams will participate. For online registration and more information, visit www.GreatMichiganRace.com.
The Governor’s Council endorses local, regional and state events to acknowledge an organization’s ability to plan and carry out a quality event that significantly contributes to the health and well-being of Michigan residents. The Great Michigan Race exemplifies this core value and is endorsed by the Governor’s Council.
"By endorsing local events all across the state, we hope to bring attention to the importance of physical activity and encourage our citizens to take responsibility for their health," said Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Governor’s Council. "These local events can have a tremendous impact on health care costs that present a significant challenge for our state’s economy."
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson exclaimed, "Oakland County is proud to support the Great Michigan Race. We strive to partner with quality of life events that are FUN, but have the benefit of improving the health of our residents. This race is right on target, and Rochester offers all the amenities and the support of a community with a great amount of town pride."
In order to become an endorsed event, an organization must complete an application form for review. Some criteria that is taken into consideration includes providing a positive, safe physical activity experience using qualified officials and benefiting a nonprofit or charitable organization. For more information about the Governor’s Council’s endorsement program, please visit www.michiganfitness.org/endorsements/index.php.
Supported by more than 20,000 volunteers, SOMI annually provides training and competitions to over 17,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities through 23 different Olympic type sports. SOMI relies solely on funding from donors and special events. ―SOMI is honored and excited to be the sole benefactor of the inaugural Great Michigan Race. The event showcases Michiganders’ spirit and tenacity just as our athletes exhibit. We focus on events that bring out the best in our competitors—all in the spirit of fun and accomplishment,‖ explained Lois Arnold, SOMI President and CEO.
The Great Michigan Race is being organized by In2itive Marketing & Events, a Michigan-based firm. ―The race offers an exciting alternative to traditional fundraising efforts, and we hope to incorporate as many Michigan vendors, sponsors and retailers as possible to maximize the proceeds for SOMI,‖ offered Jill Fraeyman, co-founder.
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