2011 Tennessee Winter Special Olympics

The much anticipated Tennessee Winter Special Olympics were held this year at Ober Gatlinburg on January 31 thru February 1. The event opened with an evening ceremony on Sunday night, January, 30th and the traditional “Lighting of the Torch” ceremony was the following morning at Ober Gatlinburg. The evening ceremony was located at the popular Gatlinburg Convention Center. It started with the Color Guard provided by the Gatlinburg Police Department followed by a march of the athletes and recognition of programs. Areas represented at this year’s Tennessee Winter Special Olympics were: Area 1/Nashville, Area 4 / Chattanooga Area 5/Knoxville, Area 6/Columbia, Area 9/Cookeville, Area 12/Clarksville, Area 13/Tullahoma, Area 15/Maryville, Area 26/Williamson County, Area 27/Wilson County, Area 32/Rogersville & Kingsport, and the host delegation Area 10/Morristown.

Later, Games Director, Meg Takahashi, introduced Rex Anders of Ober Gatlinburg and two UT football players Tauren Poole and Austin Johnson. Plaques were presented to Scot Stinnet of Walgreens and to Will McGaha/Scott Murphy Gatlinburg Convention Center. MANY thanks go out Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Depart of Tourism, Gatlinburg Convention Center, The American Legion Post 202, The Smoky Mountain Ski Club, Walgreens, American Eagle Outfitters, Alcoa Civitan, and Flav-o-Rich. Without your help, the event would not have been possible.

The actual event included Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, and Speed skating. There were an incredible 119 athletes in attendance and 40 coaches. They had a day of preparation and a day to compete. The praise and support offered by the staff, friends, family, and fans were phenomenal. Everyone was having such a great time. It was rewarding occasion for the athletes as well as their parents. If you have never attended a Special Olympics event, it is highly encouraged. It reflects both the true strength of the human spirit and joy in the purest form. These individuals are truly remarkable in every sense of the word.

As a mother of a daughter with spina bifida, I know the hardships of working with a special needs individual, but I also know MORE SO the benefits. I cannot tell express enough gratitude for everything the parents, caretakers, teachers, participating businesses, doctors, and more do for the care, support, and encouragement of our loved ones. The Special Olympics Tennessee is a magnificent organization. To find out more about how you can help today click here http://specialolympicstn.org/ or to see pictures of this event look us up on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SeePigeonForgeTN.