Olivet College students participated in Special Olympics Michigan's Poly Hockey and Bowling state finals Nov. 17, sending 67 students to both sites to assist in the events.

"Being able to volunteer at Special Olympics was a great experience for my organization," said Brandon Bode, an Olivet baseball player that attended Poly Hockey that was held at Wastern High School. "We had such a great time volunteering that we want to make Special Olympics an annual event for our organization to volunteer at."

Bowlers competed at Royal Scot in Lansing in Unified Bowling Finals, providing an opportunity for Olivet students to compete side-by-side a Special Olympics athlete. Unified bowling pairs a Special Olympics Michigan athlete with an athlete who does not have an intellectual disability.

"Watching the Olivet students interact with the special Olympics athletes was great," said Maisie Baker, an Olivet cross country runner. "The athletes were so excited to be there and compete. I believe the athletes taught our students more about enjoying the little things than we taught them about bowling."

For a photo gallery, click here. 

Photos and information provided by Michaela Kaliniak, Olivet College