Forum, Special Olympics Comes to the Keweenaw
Area 39 Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for those ages 8 and up with intellectual disabilities, living in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties. Prior to July 2025, the counties had been inactive for many years. Naomi and Michael Behrmann became the Area 39 directors last summer and restarted the program in the five county area, which now has nearly 50 registered athletes as well as many volunteers and supporters.
Their presentation will highlight the benefits to this underserved population in our community, as well as other successes and challenges of the program.
Michael is a retired educator and a current bus driver for the Copper Country Independent School District. Naomi is a retired dog groomer and former dental hygienist. They have three daughters and one granddaughter. Moving to the Keweenaw area last summer has fulfilled a lifelong dream and enabled them to be close to their granddaughter and family.