TRAVERSE CITY -- Hundreds of athletes cheered and applauded as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians presented a $5,000 check to Special Olympics Michigan.

The check was presented during the 2011 State Winter Games Closing Ceremonies in Governor's Hall at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Thursday night.

Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey was the emcee for the Closing Ceremonies.

The evening started with a ceremonial performance by the Medicine Lodge Singers. Then Chairman Bailey and Grand Traverse Resort & Spa General Manager Donald Ponniah held up a large check made out to Special Olympics Michigan for $5,000.

"We're very pleased to have the tribe as a sponsor and to have Chairman Bailey as emcee of the event," said President & CEO Lois Arnold. "The Medicine Lodge Singers added a unique element to our ceremony."

Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey said, "It was overwhelmingly moving to see the enthusiasm and to feel the sense of community exhibited by the athletes, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and staff at the Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games Closing Ceremonies. I was honored to be the emcee at an event that goes beyond barriers and celebrates the good of the human spirit. My thanks to Special Olympics Michigan for the privilege to present a gift from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians that recognizes and supports their spirit and their work."

Closing Ceremonies also included brief speeches by Lois Arnold, Miss Michigan Katie LaRoche and athlete Kassondra Pratt from Cheboygan.

The competition wrapped up Friday.

The 2011 State Winter Games brought about 1,000 athletes along with about 700 coaches, chaperones, family members and volunteers to the region. Events included Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Speed Skating and Figure Skating. Venues included the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resort and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center.

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