300 athletes expected for Special Olympics

The Special Olympics Montana Winter Games will be Feb. 23-25 at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

This is the 19th year the games have been staged at the Whitefish ski area.   

Athletes train for a minimum of eight weeks in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing or snowshoeing.  

More than 300 athletes are expected, along with 150 coaches from 25 communities across Montana. All of this is accomplished with the support of nearly 250 volunteers.

Athletes and families have the opportunity to enjoy other special events during their stay in the Whitefish area. Some events include opening and closing ceremonies, athlete victory banquet, a dance and carnival and a family luncheon. 

The public is invited to line Central Avenue from Third to Railway streets for the Parade of Athletes beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb, 23 and then accompany the athletes to the opening ceremonies in Depot Park.  

The ceremonies include the ceremonial lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. 

Businesses or individuals interested in tournament sponsorship opportunities should contact Jim Lawrence at 406-216-5327 or jlawrence@somt.org

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.