NAIA, Ann Arbor Sports Commission Giving Special Olympians Something to Cheer About

Photo courtesy of 2024 Champions of Character Cheerleading and Dance event Special Olympics Michigan
 

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character program and the Ann Arbor Sports Commission is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) to host an inclusive cheerleading and dance clinic. This event aims to promote athletic skills, teamwork and the spirit of inclusion by bringing together NAIA student-athletes and SOMI participants for a day of learning, collaboration and fun.
 

For many SOMI athletes, the clinic will offer an introduction to both the sports of cheerleading and dance. The opportunity to partner with athletes at the college level, offers an intimate and relatable look at the sport, while in turn offering collegiate athletes a glimpse into the world of Unified Sports – which features athletes with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) participating on the same team.
 

The clinic will take place on Thursday, March 27 at the George Gervin GameAbove Center starting at 11:00 a.m. More than 100 SOMI athletes of all abilities will participate in interactive cheerleading and dance sessions. Led by NAIA student-athletes and coaches, the event will focus on building skills in motion techniques, choreography, and team performance. The NAIA student-athletes and coaches are members of the 27 teams who have qualified for the 2025 NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championships.
 

The clinic will also emphasize the Champions of Character core values—respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship—creating a meaningful and supportive environment for all participants.
 

“The Ann Arbor Sports Commission is proud to partner with Concordia University and the NAIA to bring back this incredible event for a second year in Washtenaw County,” said Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “The Champions of Character Cheer and Dance event showcases the power of sports in fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and community spirit. Seeing college athletes and Special Olympics Michigan athletes come together in such a meaningful way is truly inspiring.”

 

Throughout the clinic, participants will have the opportunity to learn and perform routines alongside NAIA student-athletes, strengthening their skills and boosting their confidence. The event will conclude with a showcase performance, where athletes will demonstrate their new skills for friends, family, and supporters.
 

“We are thrilled to partner with Special Olympics Michigan for this inspiring event,” said Steve Wilson, Director of Athletic Communications for NAIA. “Our student-athletes are eager to share their skills and foster meaningful connections with these incredible athletes. This clinic is about more than cheer and dance—it’s about celebrating inclusion, building confidence, and having fun.”
 

The NAIA Champions of Character program is dedicated to promoting character-driven athletics while fostering inclusivity and community engagement. This partnership with Special Olympics Michigan reflects a shared commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting physical fitness, and creating a more unified sports community.