Winter Special Olympics in need of volunteers

The Special Olympics Winter Games are coming to North Idaho in February, and event organizers are looking for volunteers to help prepare athletes for their events.

The 2016 Winter Regional Games are set to kick off Feb. 20 at the Silver Mountain Ski Resort in Kellogg and, from Feb. 26-27, Boise will host the 2016 Floor Hockey State games. Athletes are already getting prepared for an opportunity to create a lifelong memory.

"Special Olympics is about sports but it is also about so much more," said Jann Kinnard. "For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities, develop belief in themselves, gain acceptance and form lifelong friendships. We see so many happy, confident and achieving athletes in our programs that sometimes even we forget the daunting challenges they face in their everyday lives."

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are among the first events that athletes will begin preparing for. Jim McFeeley will be the head coach for the local delegation, and Kinnard said organizers are looking for an individual willing to coach cross-country skiing on a full-time basis.

Practices are expected to take place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, at Stub Myers Park in Rathdrum, in the weeks leading up to the games. Floor hockey practices will take place early Sunday mornings, at a yet-to-be-determined location.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding practices will take place on Sunday mornings at Silver Mountain in Kellogg.

There are no fees for athletes who participate in the games, and Kinnard said donations, which are tax deductible, are greatly appreciated.

"Special Olympics brings families and communities closer together," Kinnard said. "It is amazing to see a father's pride in his son's achievement, a mother's relief when her daughter makes friends, and siblings cheering for their brother or sister for the first time."

For additional information on volunteering, or participating in the games, contact Gregory Quinn of the Coeur d'Alene Eagles Special at gearchecker@yahoo.com, or call (208) 651-9852.

"In the year ahead we want to reach out to even more athletes so even more people have the opportunity to train, compete, and take on life challenges with skill and confidence," Kinnard added.