With the Olympics wrapped up, the world turns toward the Paralympics proving humans are capable of anything. Across the nation the Special Olympics highlights the abilities of America’s disabled athletes by organizing regional and state competitions.
In March KUUF will host a public forum, Special Olympics comes to the Keweenaw, in support of the area 39 Special Olympians. On March 8th, directors of the area 39 region Naomi and Michael Behrmann will share with the community the benefits of supporting an underserved part of the Copper Country and Western Upper Peninsula, while also having a lot of fun watching residents compete in various athletic events.
The forum will have a Zoom option for individuals or groups to learn more about bringing a Special Olympics event to the Keweenaw Peninsula. The area 39 Special Olympics region includes the five-county area of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon, with 50 athletes registered for various sports. The region was reactivated in 2025 after several years being dormant.
Find more details for the March 8th meeting for the area 39 Special Olympics region in Michigan here.
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Special Olympics Comes to the Keweenaw
The Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF) will host a public forum online titled “Special Olympics Comes to the Keweenaw” from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 8.
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.
Forums are approximately one hour long. The public is invited to participate.
Join the forum via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 839 7576 2265; Passcode: KUUF
Forums are recorded and available to the public. Visit the KUUF webpage for links to past forums: keweenawuu.org/worship/forums
