FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

261 ATHLETES COMPETED IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS VERMONT WINTER GAMES 2008

Woodstock, VT- Approximately 261 athletes from across the state competed in the 2008 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games held the weekend of March 14th-16th at the Woodstock Inn and Resort, Suicide Six Ski Area.  Participation in the 2008 Games increased 32% over last year. 

The 2008 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games was divided into three days of competition including Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoe and Snowboarding.  All competition was held at the Suicide Six Ski Area, while the athletes and coaches stayed at the town’s beautiful Woodstock Inn and Resort.

On Friday, March 14th schools from around Vermont competed in Unified Snowshoe events. Unified Sports® pairs an individual with an intellectual disability (athlete) on the same team as an individual without a disability (partner).  The athlete and partner compete together, supporting one another on and off the field.  The partnership provides a forum for positive social interaction between students of all abilities. 

On Friday Evening, the games kicked off with opening ceremonies organized by The Woodstock Rotary.  The Green was decorated with festive streamers and a glowing bonfire.  Bob Hager, former NBC Correspondent and Master of Ceremonies led the athletes onto the Green.  Upper Valley Hawkes athlete and Global Messenger Laura Buchanan excited the crowd while local signer Samantha Haas sang the national anthem.  Ending the ceremony with a boom, fireworks shot off the top of Mount Tom lighting up the snow covered mountain.

On Day two, Saturday March 14th, snowshoe, snowboarding, cross country and alpine competition went off without a hitch.  All athletes received awards for their strong efforts.  Other activities throughout the day included eye exams by Dr. Bernal, therapeutic messages by EuroSpa and sleigh rides at Billings Farm and Museum.  The day of competition concluded with the Annual Awards Banquet where Special Olympics Vermont recognized the outstanding efforts of its volunteers and participants.  Following the awards banquet, athletes, coaches, friends, family and volunteers danced the night away. 

On Day three, Sunday March 16th the games concluded with a final day of competition, and the last

day for the athletes competing in the Winter Games to show off their athleticism and spirit for the games.  Athlete David Burke of Bennington expressed that his favorite part of the games is seeing all of his Fans, while Graham Robinson of Upper Valley Hawkes enjoys his teammates and skiing.  The day successfully ended with a bbq on the deck of the lodge and a brief closing ceremony for the competitors.

Competitors and their results can be found at the following website: http://www.vtso.org/competitionresultsfolder/2008WinterGames/

Competitions to be Held:

Alpine Skiing

Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoe

Snowboarding - Returns as a Special Olympics Vermont Sport

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

OLYMPIC TOWN-
Olympic Town will be open in the Venue Tent at the Cross Country and Snowshoe from 10 – 3:00 on Saturday, and 10 -1PM on Sunday.  Vergennes Lions Club will be hosting Olympic Town with fun activities for your athletes to enjoy.  Athletes can play basketball, volleyball, golf and hockey.  There will also be arts and crafts to enhance your creative side. 
   
HEALTHY ATHLETE-
Opening Eyes will be offered at Billings Farm & Museum on Saturday, March 15th from 10-3pm.  
 
BILLINGS FARM & MUSEUM-
Billings Farm and Museum will be open from 10:00am – 3:00pm and will be offering Hands On activities and Horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides for Athletes and their Family.
More detail will available at Registration. EUROSPA – Will be offering Chair Massage for Athletes at Billings Farm & Museum

OPENING CEREMONY-

The Woodstock Rotary have a festive Opening Ceremony Planned for Friday, March 14, line-up in the front of the Woodstock Inn for the Parade of Athletes is 7:00pm. The Parade will cross the street to the Green with the Ceremony beginning at 7:30pm . Opening Ceremony will be held OUTSIDE   proper attire must be worn. There will be fireworks at the conclusion – an announcement will be made so coaches can plan appropriately for those athletes that do not enjoy fireworks.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MERCHANDISE FOR SALE!
Merchandise will be sold on Saturday from 10am – 4:00pm and 7pm – 9:00pm, then on Sunday from 10am - 12:00pm.  Location will be at Olympic Town in the Heated Tent . We will be selling a wide range of merchandise with Special Olympics Vermont Logo and the New Winter Games Logo. The items will include Event Shirts, Fleece Vests, Hats, Bags, Sport Pins, and many new and exciting items.

RECOGNITION BANQUET-
Special Olympics Vermont could not exist without the tireless efforts and dedication of program coordinators, coaches, volunteers, organizations and athletes.  The Awards Banquet will highlight the works of our most treasured people! 

VICTORY DANCE-
Saturday, March 15th, 7:00 - 9:30pm – Woodstock Inn – Garden Level
Theme: Mardi Gras    

Decorations – Pentangle Arts   

DJ – Liam Elberty

CLOSING CEREMONY-
Sunday, March 16, 1:00pm outside the lodge at Suicide Six.  Come join your friends to reflect of your 2008 Winter Games experiences. View a slide show of our Special Olympics Vermont Athletes.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Other Materials:

2008 Results

Registration Forms

School Based Unified Snowshoe Registration Forms

Coaches Handbook

Volunteer for Winter Games