ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Special Olympics of Michigan, Gun Lake Casino, and Gun Lake Tribe gathered together on Thursday, March 23 to announce a new state-wide partnership. And this partnership includes sponsorship of the world’s largest Special Olympics training facility in Grand Rapids.
Officials say the $2.5 million sponsorship agreement from the casino and tribe will support the Unified Sports and Inclusion Center as the premiere facility for all Special Olympics Michigan athletes to train and compete.
“Gun Lake Casino has been a huge advocate for inclusion in our community, supporting numerous organizations that have put Michigan on the map in exciting ways during the past decade,” said Tim Hileman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Michigan. “We are proud to be among their flagship investments that is making this training, competition, and general inclusion center a reality right here in Michigan.” Hileman continued, “This partnership between Gun Lake Casino and Special Olympics Michigan shows what happens when we are all truly invested in making Michigan a leader both in inclusion and community.”
“Gun Lake Casino has taken a bold step forward becoming a leader in placemaking for the region,” said Sal Semola, CEO of Gun Lake Casino (GLC). “Our investments aim to strengthen the community’s ability to attract visitors, provide unique entertainment, and create jobs. The Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center will do all of that with its ability to host sporting competitions, as well as conferences. Most important to us, however, is that it will do that through the eyes and experience of a truly diverse and inclusive population of people, who will play, learn, and work there. It’s a very unique and important addition to the Western Michigan community.”
Formerly known as the South Christian High School campus, Special Olympics of Michigan purchased the facility in 2019, which was then transformed into the current Unified Sports and Inclusion Center. Phase one of the construction on the center was completed last December, with phase two of the project set to begin early this summer.
“This partnership with Special Olympics Michigan is a natural extension of Gun Lake Tribe’s commitment to building an inclusive community,” said Gun Lake Tribe Chairman, Bob Peters. “We are proud to join forces with such a powerful movement and help manifest its mission within the Unified Sports and Inclusion Center — a world first!”
