The Annual Special Olympics Winter Games Set to Begin in Gatlinburg

Ober Mountain holds a special distinction as being the only ski resort in the state of Tennessee. What’s even cooler is it’s one of the sites for the annual Special Olympics Winter Games. If you’re not familiar, Special Olympics Tennessee provides sports training, health, competition, and education opportunities for all age ranges with learning disabilities. You can find these in pockets all across the country, but Tennessee’s members will be vying for the ultimate prizes that represent their mission statement.

The opening ceremony will be held on January 28th at the Gatlinburg Convention Center before moving up to Ober Mountain for some of the more wintry games. It is a huge event with more than 400 athletes divided into ages and ability. The five sports that make up Special Olympics Games are skiing, snowboarding, speed skating, 3 on 3 basketball, and a Fitness Combine. The Convention Center will host a few events, as well as Rocky Top Sports World.

Prior to the opening ceremony, members from various law enforcement agencies will join the Olympians on the Flame of Hope’s journey to the cauldron. This is a relay which will begin on the 29th with the lighting taking place at Ober Mountain.

The big day of the games will be held on Tuesday the 30th, and they are absolutely open for the public to watch. I encourage everyone, even those of you who are on vacation, to cheer on all of these athletes. There will be hundreds of smiles on display for three full days of this inspirational event.

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