The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games

The Treasure Valley community, regional mountain resorts, and the organizers of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games have been busy getting ready for hosting the Games, which run from February 7 through February 13. 

An outpouring of funds and volunteer efforts started last year with the hosting of the 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games, based here in the Treasure Valley. Organizers estimated that approximately 350 Special Olympic athletes from ten countries, consisting of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, competed in the 2008 Games.  The Idaho contingent included 245 Special Olympic athletes.

The event served as a test drive, smoothing out the many details needed to host the 2009 World Winter Games. Volunteer recruitment and training were a part of the preparations.  Race timers, traffic managers, escorts, and ski patrollers are but a few of the many duties.  The general volunteer register has closed, though there are many other ways to be involved.

Organizers expect nearly 2,500 athletes from more than 100 countries will be coming to Idaho for the events.  Athletes' coaches, family members, friends, and special guests accompany them.

Idahoan host families will show off the beauty of Idaho while contributing to a large international project through a home stay program called Host Town, held February 4-7. Visitors will stay in local homes across the southwestern part of the state, and in McCall and Sun Valley.  The guests gain an insider's view of the state and adjust to the climate, while their hosts learn about the athletes and their native countries.  Just before the games begin, the athletes move to their accommodations near their venues. 

Support the Special Olympics World Winter Games

If you are not involved as a host, volunteer, or language interpreter, share your interest in the World Winter Games by purchasing items developed for fundraising. Go to  2009worldgames.org for information on getting involved.

A few ways of financially contributing are described here:

• Buy an Idaho Lottery World Winter Games Scratch^® Ticket. If you win any of the $1 to $3,000 offerings, you can donate 25 to 100 percent of the prize to the World Winter Games. \
• Stock up on coffee through the promotion offered by Moxie Java, with three specialty coffee blends specifically created for the games. Champion Gold, Smooth Silver, and Brave Blend are sold at select Treasure Valley Wal-Marts and Moxie Java coffee shops.  A portion of your purchase goes to the World Winter Games.
• Pamper yourself with an Epionce Ski Kit, specially designed for the event as a fundraiser.  The kit has sunscreen and barrier cream.
• Shop online for World Winter Games merchandise.  Your purchase of hats, vests, shirts and other offerings contributes to supporting the Games.  There are even Idaho License Plates for sale.
• Purchase a limited edition trading pin. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area and Greenwood's Ski Haus designed a pin for use as a gift for the athletes and coaches to commemorate the event and their visit to Idaho.  Each alpine athlete will receive a pin to keep and a pin to trade.  Additional pins are available for purchase by the public for about $6.00 each at Greenwood's and Bogus Basin.

Additional donations of goods, services, and funds are being accepted by the World Winter Games; check the website for details. 

Be a Fan

Another way to support the Games is by attending the ceremonies and competitions as a spectator.  Seven winter sports competitions are being held at a variety of venues. See the sidebar for locations and dates, and the World Winter Games website for specific schedules.             

Enjoy free admission at the ceremonies and competitions. Take your pick of the many venues and join the excitement!

Head up to Bogus Basin and cheer at the alpine skiing competitions located at the Bowl and Coach runs, held February 8-13.  Jenifer Johnson, marketing director at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, says the slopes are conveniently accessed by walking to the base area where the runs end. She says that the daily medal ceremonies will be awesome and worth witnessing.

Jack Sibbach, the director of sales, marketing, and public relations at Sun Valley Resort, says that both of the resort's venues are spectator-friendly.  The snowboarding competitions will be held February 8-12.  From the day lodge at the base of the mountain, spectators can easily see the racers as they snowboard from the top to the bottom of Dollar Mountain.  Photographers can get within 50 yards of the base of the mountain for action shots.

The cross-country ski races are also at Sun Valley Resort from February 8-13.  Based at the new Sun Valley Resort Nordic Center clubhouse and trails west of the clubhouse, spectators can get close to the action.

Snowshoe races are being held at Ponderosa State Park in McCall from February 8-12.  The flat terrain near the start of the event makes for convenient viewing.

Indoor events at the World Winter Games include floor hockey, figure skating, and speed skating. The competitions will take place at convenient venues for those living in and near Boise.  For more detail and information go to www.2009worldgames.org or call 938-5505.

Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based writer.

Viewing the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games

February 7-13 

• Opening Ceremonies at the Idaho Center in Nampa-February 7
• Snowshoeing: Ponderosa State Park, McCall, February 8-12
• Snowboarding: Dollar Mountain at Sun Valley Resort, February 8-12
• Figure Skating: Qwest Arena, Boise, February 8-12
• Alpine Skiing: Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, February 8-13
• Cross-Country Skiing: Sun Valley Resort Nordic Center, February 8-13
• Speed Skating: Idaho IceWorld, Boise, February 8-13
• Floor Hockey: Expo Idaho, Boise, February 8-13
• Closing Ceremonies at the Idaho Center in Nampa-February 13