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Many people made Special Olympics event special

Last weekend, North Idaho Special Olympics held their 2017 Winter State Games in the Silver Valley. Fifty-five athletes competed from Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Priest Lake, Silver Valley, Lewiston and Coeur d’Alene. We held Alpine and Nordic (snowshoe and cross country) ski events. Competitions were held at Silver Mountain and Mulan Park.

I am writing this letter to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this Winter State Games a huge success. Coaches, volunteers’ friends, family and many community members came together to put together an amazing event.

Silver Valley — thank you for hosting Winter State Games. Erin Delaney, Megan Delaney and Elisa Walker did an amazing job organizing the dinner, dance and opening ceremonies. We laughed, cried, danced and gave thanks. Special moments were given to remember and honor Sarah McFeeley and Mike Delaney. It was wonderful.

Jim McFeeley, Alana Hunt, Bob and Jeff Kinnard — thank you for preparing and grooming the snowshoe and cross country ski park. These folks went after the groomers and the bad weather to prepare the track. Big Job! We would not have had Nordic competition if it were not for all your HARD work.

Snowshoe and Cross-country (Nordic) — Alana Hunt you rocked as Venue Director. Coaches and volunteers, you were all great! I have heard back from several families stating how well everything went.

Alpine Ski — thank you to so many people for pulling this together. All the volunteers, coaches, families, friends, Silver Mountain staff, Jessica the Venue Director and DiAnna Macklin for all your behind the scene help. The event was well organized and ran smoothly. Being on the mountain was a first time for me and I was incredibly impressed. The breathtaking views were an added bonus!

If I have left anyone out, I am truly sorry. It takes a huge number of people to support Special Olympic Athletes in so many ways. This wonderful community of people continues to amaze me.

And last but not least — to all the Eagle Athletes who trained and worked so hard for this event, I only have one thing to say … you are the BEST!

In gratitude,

JENNIFER FORD

Special Olympics

Local Program Coordinator for Coeur d’Alene Eagles