Tennessee Winter Special Olympics – Pigeon Forge

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Since its establishment back in 1974, Special Olympics Tennessee has been providing year-round sports training and athletic completion for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Through a variety of Olympic-style games, participants get the chance to develop fitness, reveal courage and share the gifts of joy and friendship.
Comprised of seventeen different sports, this year’s Winter Games will take place at the Smoky Mountain’s Ober Gatlinburg!

This year, the two day event will be held on January 27, 2014 through January 28, 2014. More than 140 athletes will come together to compete in the sports of alpine skiing, snowboarding and speed skating. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and ability, with levels ranging from beginners to advanced.

2014 marks the 29th year that Ober Gatlinburg has hosted the Tennessee Special Olympics Winter Games, a Gatlinburg tradition that will continue for years to come. This year will be a truly special event that is sure to be one to remember!

Many friends and family members attend the games to cheer on their loved ones, but visitors are welcome, as well! Everyone is invited to check out the action and provide support for the hard-working athletes.

True to Olympic form, the Winter Games will kick off with a traditional lighting of the Olympic flame on Monday morning at 9:00AM. After the competition, an awards ceremony will be hosted at 2:00PM on Tuesday. These Winter Games are much closer than the upcoming ones in Sochi, Russia, so don’t miss your chance to check out the Olympic traditions in your own backyard.

The Tennessee Winter Special Olympics are put on by an array of dedicated and passionate volunteers who are always looking to expand their team. If you’d like to donate your time to Special Olympics Tennessee, visit their website.