sdaguanno posted on June 01, 2010 12:28
June 1/Rochester, MI – The Great Michigan Race to benefit Special Olympics Michigan Inc. (SOMI) is proud to announce Oakland University as a presenting sponsor. Taking an early lead, the university is providing generous support in addition to assembling a team of four students, alumni and faculty members, who are ready to demonstrate what team work is all about. With a strong willingness to reach out to their constituency, Oakland University will host an exciting on-campus "FREE Team" contest fundraiser in September during the university's Welcome Week. Oakland University President Gary Russi, a member of the Great Michigan Race Honorary Host Committee, said, "We are proud to be a partner in this exciting new initiative, and we are very pleased to support the effort to benefit our community and the good work of Special Olympics."
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 on Sunday, October 17, 2010. The Rochester area will be the playground for the 10-challenge course along a 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.
Supported by more than 20,000 volunteers, SOMI annually provides training and competitions to over 17,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages 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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