Winter Games: Perfect

Special Olympics Indiana held their Winter Games at Perfect North Slopes on January 10th -12th. The games brought together 184 athletes from twelve counties across the state to compete in snowshoeing, alpine skiing and snowboarding. Perfect North Slopes hosted the state games for the sixth year, as the games were previously held at Paoli Peaks, in Paoli, Indiana for thirty years.

Athletes, coaches and volunteers were housed at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison; where they attended opening ceremonies and a dance on Sunday evening. The ceremonies were emceed by Chelsie from B-105 and the Knights of Columbus presented the flag. Prior to the lighting of the Flame of Hope by Deputy Paul Hudepohl, of the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department, and the games being declared open, guest were entertained by the Northern Kentucky University Musical Theatre Tour Troupe.

Representing the Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties program (ROD) were forty-three athletes, four Unified Partners from South Ripley High School, and fourteen coaches/chaperones. ROD was the largest delegation participating in the games.

After a full day of practicing and time trials at the slopes on Monday, athletes, coaches and volunteers from ROD were treated to snow tubing before returning to Higher Grounds for dinner and a movie.

Despite the snow squaw that blew across the slopes Tuesday morning, athletes were able to complete their final competitions.

Special Olympics Indiana – Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties would like to thank the following for their support of the Winter Games: Perfect North Slopes, Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center, Dearborn County Visitors Center, Chelsie from B105, the Knights of Columbus District 28, the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department, the Lions Clubs of Ripley County, the Northern Kentucky University Musical Theatre Tour Troupe, and the countless volunteers involved with putting on this year’s games.

Click here to view the 2016 Winter Games photo album.