Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games to be held

375 athletes from across the state are set to compete in the 2015 Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) Winter Games January 12-14 in Dubuque, Iowa. More than 170 coaches and chaperones, as well as 300 volunteers, will donate their time to serve the athletes and make the event a success.

  Children and adult athletes of all abilities will participate in a variety of events in the sports of Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, short track speed skating and figure skating. The Grand Harbor Center, Sundown Mountain, Albrecht Acres and Mystique Community Ice Center will host the competitions and activities.

  “Our athletes practice year-round for the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities at the Winter Games,” said SOIA CEO Gary Harms. “Their dedication is unequaled, and these individuals are supported in their efforts by the commitment of their families, coaches and by a host of outstanding volunteers. With their support, our athlete citizens experience the spirit of competition, friendship and camaraderie that is Special Olympics.”

Competition will begin Jan. 12 with preliminaries for figure skating and speed skating at the Mystique Community Ice Center at noon and 1 p.m. Time trials for snow shoeing will be at 12:30 p.m. at Camp Albrecht Acres, while Alpine skiing and cross country skiing begin at 1 p.m. at Sundown Mountain.

  The Winter Games will officially kick-off with the Opening Ceremony beginning at 6 p.m., Jan. 12, at the Grand Harbor Center. The ceremony includes a parade along the River Walk to the River Center Patio and an athlete lighting the flame.

  “We invite all to attend both our Opening Ceremonies and competitions. Each provides unique and outstanding opportunities for all to learn about and show support for these wonderful individuals,” added Harms. “We welcome fans, families and friends from across the state and across the country to witness the joy that our athletes experience. I can promise you a heartfelt and life-impacting experience – if you attend even a single event and high-five just one athlete as he or she crosses the finish line.”

  Sponsors for the 2015 Winter Games include Dubuque Racing Association, Texas Roadhouse, Theisen’s and Anderson-Weber Toyota.

  For more information on Special Olympics Iowa, visit our website at www.soiowa.org or call 515-986-5520.