Rochester, MI – The Painted Pot is hosting a “Paint Day” October 7 at 6 pm for local special needs athletes at their studio in downtown Rochester (421 Walnut Boulevard).  These remarkable athletes will come together to hand-paint the awards to be given to participants of the new Great Michigan Race debuting Sunday, October 17. 

The flat, circular, 3-inch pottery pieces donated by The Painted Pot will serve as a medal-type award and heart-felt thank you to racers for enduring the challenges of the course and raising much needed funds for Special Olympics Michigan Inc. (SOMI).  “We are delighted to support our local special needs athletes and this wonderful new race that is coming to Rochester for their benefit,” explains owner, Gina Homant.

The Great Michigan Race promises to be a day of adventure, camaraderie and fun while serving as a signature fundraiser for SOMI.  Testing teams’ endurance and wit (as well as their teamwork and sense of humor), racers will follow clues through a course of 10 challenge sites in and around the Rochester area.  Complete details can be found online at www.GreatMichiganRace.com.

FANS welcome!  Teams will cross the Finish Line at the metroparent.com Family Fun & Fan Park…a true community event and FAN ZONE, offering FREE admission and activities for all ages!  From 10 am to 4 pm, families can take part in the FREE Children’s Challenge mini race while also enjoying FREE PLAY in the obstacle course, maze and bouncers.  STAR WARS characters (in their original movie costumes)  will be on site with “out of this world” activities and photo opportunities.  A beer tent courtesy of Rochester Mills Beer Co. will be complimented by multiple food vendors.

A post-race celebration featuring Mickey Redmond as Master of Ceremonies will include the final challenge for division winners as well as awards, prizes, food & entertainment.  Thousands are expected.  Tickets can be purchased on race day at the Royal Park Hotel registration tables. $10 for adults and $5 for kids, including dinner.  Racers and volunteers gain free admission.

However, on race day, SOMI will be the real winner!  Supported by more than 20,000 volunteers, SOMI annually provides training and competitions to over 18,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages through 23 different Olympic type sports.  “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,” explained Lois Arnold, SOMI President and CEO.

The Great Michigan Race is being organized by In2itive Marketing & Events, a Michigan-based firm.  “This exciting new race offers something for everyone while serving as an alternative to traditional fundraising to support a great cause like Special Olympics Michigan.  We hope everyone will come out for a fun-filled day,” offered Jill Fraeyman, co-founder.