Special Olympics Kentucky Winter Games kick off at Perfect North Slopes

The Special Olympics Kentucky State Winter Games kicked off its 21st year Sunday evening at Perfect North Slopes. Nearly 100 Special Olympics Kentucky athletes are expected to take part in the three-day event, competing in alpine skiing and snowshoeing events. Sunday night featured a parade of athletes, Special Olympics Oath and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. Monday is a day of practice and time trials for the athletes. Practice runs will start at 10:30 a.m. and time trials for all courses will run after lunch. The annual Victory Dinner and Dance will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the East Lodge at Perfect North Slopes. All competitive runs will be held on Tuesday. All ski and snowshoeing races will begin at 10:30 a.m. Skiers will complete giant slalom and slalom courses on levels ranging from developmental to advanced-plus. Snowshoers will compete in any two of 25-, 50- and 100-meter races. All awards will be presented after lunch during a medals ceremony that will be held in the East Lodge. The State Winter Games are organized by a committee made up primarily of employees and retirees of Dow Corning Corporation in Carrollton, Kentucky, and Kentucky Utilities in Ghent, Kentucky.