BYRON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Thursday was an exciting day for Special Olympics Michigan as the organization held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new outdoor sports complex and indoor activity space.

The Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, just south of Grand Rapids, is now the world’s largest inclusive sports training facility.

“We can’t believe all of this is for us,” SOMI athlete Max Erhardt, a member of the Building Tomorrow’s Champions Capital Campaign Cabinet, said. “Before, we played on other people’s fields and courts. Now, we finally have a place to call home.”

The project, which has been in the works for nearly five years, is a $26 million transformation of the former South Christian High School campus on 68th Street in Byron Township.

The facility was designed to promote inclusion and provide space for athletes of all abilities. It includes athlete activity rooms, locker rooms, fitness areas and a podcast room. Outside, athletes can enjoy an eight-lane track, soccer and flag football fields and accessible courts for bocce and pickleball.

Eleven organizations serving people with disabilities are housed under the center’s roof, including the Autism Alliance of Michigan, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together athletes and their families, Special Olympics international leadership, capital campaign donors, lawmakers, law enforcement, government officials and community partners.

“One of the great things that we always say about Special Olympics Michigan is our athletes bring people together, they unite,” SOMI President and CEO Tim Hileman said during the event. “In a time where it feels like sometimes, especially in the next couple months, differences are pulling us away, our athletes are bringing us together.”

He went on to say there are hundreds of people to thank. 

“This has really been a community project,” Hileman said.

It was a cause many philanthropists and business leaders found easy to support. 

“The joy, determination, and sense of community that radiates from this organization is nothing short of inspiring,” said Meijer president and CEO Hank Meijer. “The building is not just a symbol of our collective commitment to inclusivity, it’s also a place where dreams are realized, friendships are formed, barriers are broken.”

The center’s design was created with input from athletes, families, and community members, focusing on accessibility. Features include height-adjustable surfaces, mixed textures to absorb sound, and flexible furniture.

“The inclusive design process is a game changer,” said Jen VanSkiver, SOMI’s chief officer of strategic growth. “Our environment showcases how thoughtful spaces can unlock, highlight, and include all ability levels.”

SOMI athlete James Yeck could hardly put his excitement into words.

“It’s just wonderful to see it finally come to fruition and to actually see the finished product of something that you’ve helped create,” Yeck told News 8 at the ribbon cutting. “Special Olympics was always my home, but now I feel like I have a place where I can come to and be safe. I have a place where I can come to and, you know, enjoy sports again.”