Nearly 160 athletes from five southeastern states participated in the Special Olympics Southeast U.S. Winter Games for Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, held at Appalachian Ski Mountain from February 8 to 10. Athletes represented Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Participants from North Carolina came from several local programs including Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lake Norman, Mecklenburg, Wake and Watauga.
Athletes received instruction from professional ski and snowboard instructors with the French Swiss Ski College before competing against peers on ski and snowboard courses. According to event organizers: “To ensure fair competition, athletes were placed in competition divisions based on age, gender and ability level. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the top three finishers in each division and ribbons were presented for fourth through eighth place.”
Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) has provided sports opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities since 1968. The organization serves nearly 53,000 athletes and Unified partners across the state through year-round training in 20 Olympic-type sports as well as health initiatives designed to improve access to community resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities. SONC also runs Unified Champion Schools programs that promote inclusion among youth both with and without intellectual disabilities.
Competition results are available online.
