Adopt An Athlete Applications Open To Help More Community Members Participate in Meijer State Games
Community members are encouraged to submit applications by June 19th.
Grand Rapids, Mich. – March 2nd, 2026 – The Meijer State Games of Michigan is inviting community members across the state to apply for the Adopt An Athlete program, which helps remove cost as a barrier to participating in the Winter and Summer Games. The program offers financial support to people who may need help covering registration fees, and eligible applicants may receive financial support to participate.
This year, Corewell Health joins the Meijer State Games of Michigan as the newest supporter of the Adopt An Athlete program. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to helping more people across Michigan access opportunities to move, connect and take part in activities that support their health and well-being.
“Everyone should have access to activities that support wellness, movement and a sense of belonging,” said Melissa Kamara Liggins, senior director, community affairs, Corewell Health. “When more people can participate, communities grow stronger and programs like Adopt An Athlete help make that possible.”
Founded in 2010, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has grown into a statewide celebration of movement and community. The Games welcome athletes of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and skill levels, offering more than 60 events each year through both the Winter and Summer Games. The Winter Games take place in February and March, and the Summer Games are held in June, giving participants the chance to come together, compete and build community through sports.
For more information about the Adopt An Athlete program and to apply for financial support, visit www.stategamesofmichigan.com/adopt–an-athlete. Applications are accepted until the final Summer Games event.
Sponsors of the Meijer State Games of Michigan – Winter Games: Meijer, Corewell Health, Peninsula Fiber Network, TV19, Krist Oil, Travel Marquette, Northern Michigan University, Staybridge Suites, Great Lakes Sport Commission, Peppino’s Pizza, Pita Way, SAIL Disability Network of the Upper Peninsula, Special Olympics Michigan, The David & Thu Brulé YMCA of Marquette County, and Kent County 4-H.
Sponsors of the Meijer State Games of Michigan – Summer Games: Meijer, Corewell Health, Lake Michigan Credit Union, NovaCare Rehabilitation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Fox Motors, Lacks Enterprises, Peppino’s Pizza, fairlife, Tele-Rad, Northern Michigan University, Gordon Water Systems, Serv-U-Success, Pita Way, Experience Grand Rapids, and Kent County 4-H.
About the Meijer State Games of Michigan: The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event for athletes of all ages and abilities. Each year, 50+ sporting events take place and over 8,500 athletes compete in the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Like the Olympics, the State Games features an opening ceremony for athletes. The flagship event of the West Michigan Sports Commission, the Meijer State Games of Michigan is a member of the National Congress of State Games and is one of 30 State Games programs in the United States. Since 2010, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted over 110,000 athletes and contributed more than $42 million in estimated economic impact. For more information, visit StateGamesOfMichigan.com.