Special Olympics Conference Race

Special Olympics Conference Race

February 23rd at Blue Mountain Resort, almost 100 Ontario Special Olympics Alpine skiers from the Central Ontario District will live this philosophy as they compete in the sanctioned Conference 1 Ski Races. 

Looking forward to skiing on their home turf, the 27 athletes from the Blue Mountain Special Olympic Alpine Team are ready to give their all and take great performances and wonderful memories to their homes in Collingwood-Blue Mountain, Thornbury, Meaford, Nottawa, Barrie, Newmarket, Owen Sound, Thornhill and Toronto.

Racing Slalom, Giant Slalom and Glide events, these skiers are motivated to do well as success in this Conference race qualifies for the 2015 Provincial Games in North Bay, leading to National Winter Games in Newfoundland-Labrador.   In the past, winners at this race have gone on to participate at Provincial, National and the World level. Since Austria is the next World Games site, athletes will be highly motivated.

Local residents may recall Collingwood’s co-hosting over 2,000 athletes from 90 countries at the 1997 World Winter Games and that event led to the founding of the largest program in Canada and sponsored by Blue Mountain Resorts since the beginning. Every Sunday during the season 44 volunteers and our 27 athletes may be found on the ski hills at Blue.

“Collingwood Council has supported Special Olympians from the beginning.” says Mayor Sandra Cooper. “Their dedication, courage, good will and camaraderie is a model for us all. I invite you to come out and see how these very skilled athletes perform. On a cold day it will warm your heart.”

 “Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt”

This motto of the Special Olympic movement was the banner under which Roman Gladiators went into the arena. The racers on Feb 23^rd will not be facing Lions but will be skiing with the hearts of Lions. Come out and see for yourself.

Awards Ceremony will be held at Blue Mountain Resort, South Base Lodge at approximately 3:30 p.m. on February 23rd, 2014.