Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Named 2025 Special Olympics Michigan Sports Partner of the Year

Last month, Special Olympics Michigan presented Ilitch Sports + Entertainment with the 2025 Sports Partner of the Year award during the annual ceremony at Michigan Central in Detroit.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has partnered with Special Olympics Michigan for more than 10 years and the partnership has grown in the last three years to include year-round athlete engagement and support.

“Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, through the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers Community teams, have not simply supported Special Olympics Michigan — they have opened their platforms to our athletes,” said Bridget Ryley, Strategic Partnerships Advisor for Special Olympics Michigan. “Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has demonstrated what it looks like when a major league stage becomes a stage that everyone can stand on.”

Every year, the Red Wings and Tigers host multiple events for Special Olympics Michigan athletes, including the Red Wings’ Poly Hockey Skills Clinics at Little Caesars Arena, where current Red Wings players meet athletes, lead drills, provide equipment and foster inclusion, demonstrating a commitment to the Special Olympics community through player involvement and community engagement.

The Red Wings proudly host "SOMI Night" at Little Caesars Arena each season, offering exclusive hats and supporting fundraising efforts, and the Red Wings Alumni Association has joined the efforts, having Special Olympics Michigan athletes serve on coaching staffs for select alumni games.

Each season since 2015, one of the most visible, unwavering champions of the Special Olympics Michigan partnership is Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.

“We are fortunate to have the support of many wonderful sports teams and organizations but Ilitch was the standout partner this year by not only sponsoring events and donating critical funds, but also creating skills clinics and once in lifetime experiences for our athletes,” Ryley said. “Having the support of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is a cherry on top and something our athletes and organization takes deep pride in.”

The Tigers have built the same culture of inclusion, embracing Special Olympics Michigan’s State Softball Tournament and welcoming Special Olympics Michigan’s gold-medal softball teams to Comerica Park for a night of true belonging in the big leagues.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation invites Special Olympics softball teams to select games each season for special access, including batting practice and a chance to meet Tigers players.

The collaboration highlights the athletes' abilities and fosters community understanding and unity.

For more information about Special Olympics Michigan, visit SOMI.org.