Olympians going to Whitefish for state games

More than 300 athletes and 180 coaches and representatives will converge on Whitefish Mountain Resort for 2010 Special Olympics Montana Winter Games Feb. 28 to March 2.

This is the 15th consecutive year that the State Winter Games have been held in Whitefish.

Opening ceremonies will include a Parade of Athletes through downtown Whitefish at 4 p.m. on Feb. 28.

Competition will be all day on March 1 and March 2.

More than 25 teams are expected to compete in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and alpine snowboarding. In addition, a one-day floor hockey team competition will take place at The Wave in Whitefish. 

 As an athlete-centered, family-based and volunteer-driven organization, Special Olympics Montana relies on the support of community volunteers, businesses and service organizations for leadership, planning and preparation, in-kind and financial gifts.

The roles and duties are many, requiring upwards of 250 volunteers to organize and prepare for the Games.

For volunteer inquiries, contact Karen Kimball at 837-0319 or through e-mail: dryfly@centurytel.net.

To learn more about Special Olympics Montana or receive additional information about the opportunities to help host or sponsor the 2010 Winter Games, contact Jim Lawrence, vice president of development, at jlawrence@somt.org; or call Special Olympics Montana headquarters at 1-800-242-6876.