February 22, 2017 (BOISE, ID)– Following weeks of training, five teams of Special Olympians are ready to participate in the alpine portion of the 2017 Southwest Regional Winter Games at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area on Friday afternoon. Forty nine athletes from throughout the region will compete in downhill skiing and snowboarding events on the Lower Ridge about the Simplot Lodge base area and Coaches Corner runs. The event is a final precursor to the World Winter Games, which will be held in Austria in March.
Bogus Basin has partnered closely with Special Olympics for more than twenty years; most notably in 2009, when the mountain hosted more than 400 athletes and coaches from around the United States and the world during the World Winter Games. “Bogus Basin is honored to continue to host these inspiring athletes,” said General Manager, Brad Wilson. “These events provide a great and important reminder to all of us about the true spirit of competition.”
“Special Olympics is more than just the event; it is a broader health initiative that helps to engage and provide participants with other opportunities in the community.”
-Patrick Calley, City of Eagle Chief of Police & Long-Time Special Olympics Volunteer
Calley was one of 84 police officers selected from around the world to carry the torch at the World Winter Games next month in Austria.
Spectators are encouraged to attend Friday’s events, as part of a Special Olympics, “Fans in the Stands,” initiative, a program designed to promote unity and to encourage community members to cheer on Special Olympians during competitions. Opening ceremonies begin outside Simplot Lodge at 2:00pm, and the races begin at 4:00pm. A complete schedule is below:
Schedule of Events: 2017 Southwest Winter Games At Bogus Basin
2:00-2:30pm: Registration at JR Simplot Lodge
2:30-3:00pm: Opening Ceremonies (Simplot Lodge base area)
3:05-3:15pm: Athletes meet at base area with guide
3:15-3:50pm: Practice Runs
4:00pm: Competition Begins
6:30pm: Awards Ceremony (Simplot Lodge base area)
