Gun Lake Casino has recently made an announcement to contribute as a sponsor towards the world’s largest training facility for Special Olympics.
Later this year, the construction of the grounds and outdoor training facility will be finalized, thanks to a generous $2.5 million sponsorship from Gun Lake Casino and the Gun Lake tribe.
Situated in Byron Township, precisely at 68th Street SW, you will find the renowned facility named the Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.
In 2019, Special Olympics Michigan acquired the campus of South Christian High School to convert it into a state-of-the-art training venue. The property boasts a massive 127,000-square foot complex, making it the largest of its kind globally.
Gun Lake Casino invests $2.5 million for Michigan training facility
Thanks to the investment from Gun Lake Casino, Special Olympics Michigan has been able to make significant advancements in their facility plans at a rapid pace.
In 2022, the first phase of the project was successfully finished. Currently, the facility hosts a total of 10 tenant organizations, all operating within its premises.
This summer, the commencement of phase two, which involves the finalization of the outdoor complex, will take place.
Tim Hileman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Michigan, stated in a press release that Gun Lake Casino has played a significant role in promoting inclusivity within our community. The casino has extended its support to various organizations that have brought recognition to Michigan through their exciting endeavors over the past decade. This collaboration between Gun Lake Casino and Special Olympics Michigan exemplifies the positive impact that can be achieved when everyone is genuinely committed to establishing Michigan as a frontrunner in both inclusivity and community development.
Special Olympics Michigan has received the enthusiastic endorsement and partnership commitment from Gun Lake Tribe Chairman, Bob Peters.
Peters expressed that the collaboration with Special Olympics Michigan aligns perfectly with Gun Lake Tribe’s dedication to creating an all-embracing community. They are delighted to unite with this influential movement and contribute to its mission through the establishment of the groundbreaking Unified Sports and Inclusion Center.
Special Olympics Michigan aids over 23,000 athletes
Eunice Kennedy Shriver established the Special Olympics in the late 1960s, and it has since evolved into the biggest sports organization dedicated to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Every year, the organization hosts over 100,000 events across the globe, featuring athletes participating in 32 different sports. The motto embraced by the Special Olympics is, “Allow me to achieve victory. But if victory is unattainable, grant me the courage to try.”
Special Olympics stands out by promoting the inclusion of athletes with diverse abilities. Participants are grouped according to their skill levels, determined by their entry scores. This approach ensures that athletes of all levels, including beginners, have the opportunity to compete in athletics.
Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training, instruction, and competitions for over 23,000 children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in the state, making it one of the most prominent and engaged Special Olympics programs in the United States.
Berlin, Germany is set to host the Special Olympics World Summer Games in June. This biennial event attracts athletes aged eight and above from over 150 nations, forming a diverse and international gathering.
Gun Lake adding hotel and Aquadome in Michigan
Gun Lake Casino, which is owned and operated by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, can be found in Wayland, situated to the north of Kalamazoo.
A $300 million renovation is currently underway at the casino, with an expected completion date in 2025. The renovation plans include the addition of a state-of-the-art 15-floor hotel and an Aquadome. The Aquadome will not only offer three indoor pools but also double as a versatile concert venue and banquet center.
In total, the expansion project is expected to create 350 job opportunities and generate a substantial economic impact of $650 million in the state of Michigan.
In more Gun Lake updates, the casino successfully resumed operations of its poker room in late 2022 after it was shut down for over two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
