JACKSON, Wyo. — More than 350 athletes, coaches, families and cheerleaders from all over the Cowboy State will be in Jackson for the 2024 annual Special Olympics Wyoming State Winter Games.
The Winter Games, one of Special Olympics’ four state sports competitions, will be held from Tuesday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, Feb. 29 in Jackson. The event will include the sports of Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding and Snowshoeing.
Jackson first hosted the winter games in 1978, and has hosted the event a number of times since.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Special Olympics Athlete Oath
This year’s event will be hosted at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole High School, the Summit High School fields, Snow King Resort and the Elks Lodge.
According to Special Olympics Wyoming, athletes must compete in Area Games in order to qualify for the State Games.
Area Games are held throughout Southwestern Wyoming, and competitors from Jackson’s Community Entry Services (CES) will be competing in these games in Pinedale on Friday, Feb. 2. According to CES, they have the staff to take six athletes to compete in the disciplines of alpine skiing and snowshoeing. CES Director, Rick Christensen, is this year’s snowshoe coach.
“Our Special Olympians are super excited to head to Pinedale for Area Games,” Christensen said. “They can’t wait to be able to showcase their skills that they have been working on this winter.”
The public is invited to attend all parts of the Special Olympics Wyoming State Winter Games.
Competition Locations:
- Alpine Skiing – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Snowboarding – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Cross Country Skiing – Summit High School Fields
- Snowshoeing – Summit High School Fields
The Opening Ceremony and the Parade of Athletes will take place at Jackson Hole High School on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7:15 p.m. According to Special Olympics Wyoming, the athletes, Unified Sports partners, coaches and volunteers will gather to introduce the competing teams, recite oaths, share inspiring words and celebrate the lighting of the “Flame of Hope.”
Special Olympics Wyoming is looking for volunteers to help with timing, scoring, awards, lunches and more. If interested in volunteering for the event go here.
Local and team coordinators are to submit a registration form to sports@specialolympicswy.org by Monday, February 12.
For weather updates, race schedules and/or cancellations see Special Olympics Wyoming’s Facebook page or call 307-235-3062.
