Special athletes compete here next week
Special Olympics Montana will conduct its 16th annual State Winter Games Sunday through Tuesday at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
More than 300 athletes and 150 coaches/chaperones from more than 25 teams are expected to compete in alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding.
In addition, a floor hockey team competition will take place at The Wave in Whitefish from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
On Sunday, the Parade of Athletes will head down Central Avenue from Third Street to Railroad Street in downtown Whitefish starting at 4 p.m.
The public is invited to line the street and then accompany the athletes to the opening ceremonies in Depot Park. The band Fresh Ink will join the festivities, including the ceremonial lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron.
Special Olympics is a 40-year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports.
As an athlete-centered, family-based and volunteer driven organization, Special Olympics Montana relies almost exclusively on the support of community volunteers, businesses and service organizations for leadership, planning and preparation and funding.
For volunteer inquiries, contact Karen Kimball at 837-0319 or 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 2011 Winter Games, contact Jim Lawrence, vice president of development, at jlawrence@somt.org, or call 1-800-242-6876.
Schedule of events:
Sunday
n 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., floor hockey competition, The Wave, 1250 Baker Ave., Whitefish
n 4-5:30 p.m., Parade of Athletes, Central Avenue, Whitefish; opening ceremonies, Depot Park
Monday
n 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., time trials, Chair 6; snowshoe and glide events, Base Lodge
n 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., athletes and coaches lunch
n 5:30 to 7 p.m., team banquet, Base Lodge
n 7 to 9 p.m., carnival and dance, Base Lodge
Tuesday
n 9 to 9:30 a.m., closing ceremonies
n 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., competitions, Chair 6; snowshoe and glide events, Base Lodge
n 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., athletes and coaches lunch
n 1 to 3 p.m., competition