Indiana, Ohio Special Olympics compete at Perfect North for Winter Games
More than 135 athletes participated in the three-day event.
More than 135 athletes participated in the three-day event.
More than 135 athletes participated in the three-day event.
As fresh machine-made snow fell over Perfect North Slopes on Tuesday morning so did the opportunity to provide dignity and competitive fun to athletes of all abilities.
Tuesday marked the final day of competition for the second annual combined 2023 Indiana and Ohio Special Olympics Winter Games held at Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
One hundred and thirty-seven athletes arrived from all over the two states to compete in the three-day event. Sunday began with Opening Ceremonies. Monday allowed athletes as young as nine up to 64 years old to choose and participate in trials between downhill skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing as their sport of choice to learn and compete. Tuesday is meant for competition and Closing Medal Ceremonies.
Through fundraising, The Special Olympics provides athletes to compete, travel and be lodged at no cost to them.
Indiana Special Olympics snowboarder Kendra Franklin shared how she sees the Special Olympics as an avenue to provide dignity and visibility for athletes with different abilities.
"I hope it gives people without intellectual disabilities a better chance to see how chance to see how us with intellectual disabilities work," Franklin said. "We are very competitive, you know, it's human nature. We are very competitive. We love the same sports that people without intellectual disabilities do. It just might be a little bit harder, you know, of what we can do and if you have any questions, come and ask us. We're more than willing to answer any questions you have. Just ask us."
After the state-level Winter Games, athletes who perform well have the opportunity to potentially qualify for the Special Olympics National Games and World Games in the years to come.