Thanks for the help with Winter Games

Bob Norbie, president/CEO for Special Olympics Montana, sent a letter to the Inter Lake this week commending the many people who came together for the 10th consecutive year to make possible the Montana State Winter Games at Big Mountain.

"They say good friends are like stars - you don't always see them but you know they are always there," he wrote. "Good friends that we don't always see from the Flathead Valley - volunteers, sponsors and donors were there once again."

Their generous support enabled 225 children and adult athletes with developmental disabilities from across the state to compete in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. "Through your untiring support, the 2005 Special Olympics athletes not only demonstrated their courage, but also their skill; not only their contagious spirit, but also their tremendous achievements," Norbie said.

Norbie extended a special thank you to the Whitefish community for hosting a parade downtown that culminated with the Winter Carnival Royal Court knighting all the athletes at Credit Union Park. "The athletes were thrilled!" The excitement was carried to The Big Mountain for official opening ceremonies where the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and Boy Scout Troop No. 36 welcomed teams, the Valley Voices Choir celebrated team arrival with song, and the Big Mountain Resort lit up the night sky with fireworks.

"Not too long ago," added Norbie, "Montana athlete John Espinoza told the world on an ESPN Sports Center broadcast, 'I'm not a loser, I'm a winner!' There is much pride and joy in John's statement - for all of us."

Special Olympics athletes discover greater confidence, self-worth and skills to cope with tomorrow's challenges and the many hurdles others might typically take for granted.

Norbie closed with, "Thank you, Flathead Valley, for helping create an experience where athletes are welcomed, respected and appreciated. You make their hearts smile!"

The board members of the Whitefish Winter Classic also wrote to thank the Flathead Valley community for its help and generous donations at their recent event. Once again, the Winter Classic successfully raised money to support children from Northwest Montana who need assistance to access specialized medical care.

The board thanked the businesses who donated products and services; the event sponsors, Whitefish Credit Union, Big Mountain Resort, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Stillwater Gallery and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad; and finally gave a big thank you to all the volunteers who donated their time to put on the events.

All contributions raise during the Winter Classic go to For the Children Inc., a nonprofit organization providing financial assistance to help children access the medical care they need. This year's total exceeded last year's event and raised nearly $60,000, reported board member Becky Lomax.