Snow and ice on your vacation to the Smokies don’t have to mean being cooped up indoors! In fact, Ober Gatlinburg offers a unique and exciting way to experience winter weather with the Tennessee Special Olympics. First held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1968, the Special Olympics Games have been a fun-filled family activity for decades. Since 1968, more than 14,500 registered athletes have competed in various events throughout the year.
For the past 30 years, Ober Gatlinburg has been hosting the Tennessee Winter Games for the Special Olympics. This event has proved to be an exciting tradition for the entire community of Ober and beyond. Along with awarding athletes with silver and gold medals, the games have afforded guests and residents of Ober Gatlinburg the chance to get out and get together, enjoying the fun of winter and making new friends in the process. Show your support this winter by making this your first—but certainly not your last—visit to the thrilling Winter Games.
What
More than 140 participants will compete in the Tennessee Winter Games. These athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in the following categories of winter sports:
• Speed Skating
• Alpine Skiing
• Snowboarding
Participants will compete in categories based on their skill level, ranging from beginner to advanced. Divisions will also be made based on age and ability.
When
January 25¬-27, 2015
The games will begin Monday morning at 9 a.m. with the traditional lighting of the Special Olympics flame on top of Ober Gatlinburg. The award presentation will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
Where
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort
1339 Ski Mountain Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
For more information about the location, you can email [email protected] or call 1-800-MUCH-FUN.
Additional Info
Admission is free for all who want to attend. Keep in mind that the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort (including the skating rink) will be closed for normal activity during the competition. However, you and your family can try out the resort’s amenities for yourself after the conclusion of the Games on Tuesday.
This January, grab your mittens, scarves, and hats and join hundreds of spectators as they cheer on the 140-plus Special Olympics athletes for the Tennessee Winter Games. The 30-year-old tradition in Ober Gatlinburg is sure to become a special memory in the hearts of you and your family for years to come. For more information on Gatlinburg cabins available during this time of year, please call our reservation staff at 1.800.684.7865. After a chilly day watching the Special Olympics at Ober Gatlinburg, you can head back to a cozy Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin to curl up by the fireplace or relax in the hot tub! You do not want to miss this event, which will be a fun-filled time on the slopes for the whole family!