The Onyx Ice Arena in Rochester is taking center ice through their partnership with the Great Michigan Race to raise funding and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan. Starting Friday, August 20, the Onyx will kick-off the Great Michigan Race Summer Classic adult hockey tournament fundraiser for 32 teams in 4 divisions to accommodate players of all ability levels. Then, players and fans will be treated to a star-studded Detroit Red Wing Alumni Fundraiser Game on Saturday, August 21 at 7:30 pm. The game opener will be our very own Karen Newman singing the National anthem, and our beloved Mickey Redmond is scheduled to skate! A special program for special needs players will take the spot light during the game’s commencement, and a post-game mingle with photo opportunities as well as Red Wings memorabilia and autographs will take place.
This super weekend of hockey was made possible through the generous support of the Onyx Ice Arena. Through their sponsorship of the inaugural Great Michigan Race this fall, the Onyx donated the entire arena in order to maximize the proceeds and exposure for special needs athletes while also serving as a presenting level sponsor and challenge site on race day (October 17). “The Onyx is proud to be a part of events that embrace the athlete in all of us. I can’t think of a better organization to benefit from this great weekend of hockey and the new Great Michigan Race than Special Olympics,” said Ryan Pardoski, general manager of the Onyx.
Open to the public…FANS welcome. Players sign-up to compete in the Summer Classic tournament or play against the Red Wing Alumni by contacting Rick at 248-444-7774 or rick@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. Visit www.somi.org for more information about this remarkable organization.
The Great Michigan Race and Great Michigan Race Summer Classic are being organized by In2itive Marketing & Events, a Michigan-based firm. “These events offer an exciting alternative to traditional fundraising efforts, and we hope to garner as much participation as possible to maximize the proceeds for SOMI,” offered Jill Fraeyman, co-founder. For more information about the upcoming race, visit www.GreatMichiganRace.com!
About Tom and Ann Gendich