WSU Welcomes 2008 Utah Special Olympians
The 2008 Special Olympics Utah Winter Games presented by Boeing and Citi, will be held this Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2. Special Olympics Utah athletes will travel from as far away as St. George for state competition in four winter sports.Competition will take place in alpine skiing and snowboarding at Powder Mountain Ski Resort and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at North Fork Park. Approximately 200 Special Olympics Utah athletes and coaches will attend these games. Students of Weber State University make up the lead volunteer roles or “Games Organizing Committee” for the games. Volunteers are still needed for the two-day competition and special events. Sign up at volunteers@sout.org for a volunteer shift.
Athletes undergo rigorous training in preparation for these games, hoping to make their dreams a reality. “The competitions will remind everyone—athletes, coaches, families and supporters—that all Special Olympics athletes are winners in their hearts,” said JD Donnelly, CEO of Special Olympics Utah. “Every Special Olympics athlete adheres to the Athlete Oath, ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’”
The games kick off Friday morning, February 1, with Opening Ceremonies taking place that evening at 7 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballroom on Weber State University’s Ogden campus. Opening Ceremonies include the Parade of Athletes, the Lighting of the Torch, and entertainment by local performers.
In conjunction with the games the Ski For Gold Ski-a-thon will be taking place on Saturday, February 2, at Powder Mountain. Participants donate a minimum of $25 and receive an all day ski pass. Gifts are given to the skiers based on the amount of money they raise in sponsorships. To join in the fun or make a donation to Ski For Gold please visit www.sout.org. Register until Midnight on Friday, February 1.
All Special Olympics Utah games are free and open to the public. Special Olympics Utah is a year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. More than 2,200 athletes in Utah train and compete in 20 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. For more information and to get involved, visit Special Olympics Utah online at www.sout.org.
Lyn Rees, Utah Special Olympics
(801) 680-2179 • rees@sout.org- Contact:
- Lyn Rees, Utah Special Olympics
(801) 680-2179 • rees@sout.org