WAUSAU - Special Olympians across Wisconsin are lacing up their speed skates, strapping on their snowshoes, and tightening their bindings for the upcoming winter games slated for January 30 and 31 in Wausau.

Venues this year include alpine skiing and snowboarding at Granite Peak at Rib Mountain State Park, cross country skiing and snowshoe racing at Nine Mile Forest, and speed skating at Greenheck Fieldhouse in Schofield.

"As far as the Winter Olympics have been going on for 22 years and sometimes it's tough as often we end up shortening them a bit due to sub zero temps or one year, we even had to cancel due to lack of snow," said Kelly Kloepping with Special Olympics.

"Mother Nature has shown us both sides! This is our smallest state game of the five that we host in Wisconsin each year. Our most popular winter sport is snowshoe racing as I think most athletes that can run on a track can do the same in snow for the off season and it doesn't require tons of equipment or extra costs other than the shoes."

Special Olympics provides sports training and competition for nearly 10,000 athletes with cognitive disabilities in 18 different sports year-round.

EVENTS INCLUDE SNOWBOARDING…

Special Olympics snowboarding is gaining momentum because it's hip, stylish and very challenging. Snowboarders shredded down a mountain for the first time at the 2001 World Winter Games in Anchorage, Alaska. At its debut in International competition, 23 athletes competed in three snowboarding events similar to alpine skiing-slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom. The number of athletes participating in snowboarding is expected to increase because of the growing popularity in the sport.

Since the sport is so new to Special Olympics, there are two ability levels offered: novice and intermediate/advanced. During competition all snow boarders must wear a helmet. Athletes are placed in divisions according to ability.

SNOWSHOE RACING...

Special Olympics snowshoe racing helps athletes enhance their fitness level during the winter months through a full body workout. Snowshoeing is relatively easy to learn because of its natural movement and beginners pick it up quickly. Snowshoeing builds tremendous strength in the athletes while offering a fun and challenging workout. Snowshoeing also gives the athlete the chance to enjoy Wisconsin's winter wonderland with friends and family.

Snowshoe Racing is similar to walking/running except the athlete uses a controlled glide called a glissade. Athletes are allowed to compete in a maximum of two individual events and one relay. Athletes of all age and skill levels can successfully compete in snowshoeing. For added balance, some athletes use ski poles. Athletes are grouped in divisions according to their ability level, age and gender.

EVENTS •50-meter race •100-meter race •400-meter race •800-meter race  •4x100 meter relay

ALPINE SKIING….

Alpine skiing made its debut as an official winter sport at the 1977 World Games. Since then, the number of athletes competing has grown by 300 percent. This exciting winter sport challenges the athlete's ability and coordination while racing down a mountain at speeds of up to 64 kilometers per hour. There are 15,000 athletes in 50 countries worldwide competing in alpine skiing today.

The events offered have increased to accommodate every ability and competition interest. Three different ability levels of athletes compete in the downhill, slalom and giant slalom events. For each of these categories, the courses are set for advanced, intermediate or novice ability athletes. Beginners and athletes with lower abilities can participate in the 10-meter walk, glide or super glide.

Special Olympics Wisconsin also offers alpine skiing in the Unified Sports model, allowing athletes with and without cognitive disabilities to compete together. This model lets brothers and sisters as well as peers compete with their family members, schoolmates, and/or friends with a cognitive disability.

EVENTS  •Super Glide Event •Downhill •Slalom  •Giant Slalom

Today there are 30,000 athletes in 30 countries worldwide participating in Special Olympics Cross-Country Skiing. Cross-Country Skiing promotes superior physical conditioning while providing enjoyment for athletes of all ages.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING….

Special Olympics Wisconsin offers Unified Sports divisions in cross-country skiing that allow athletes with and without cognitive disabilities to compete together. Several events are offered to accommodate all ability levels and interests. The individual events offered in cross-country skiing range from a 500-meter race to a 10-kilometer race. Teams can compete in a 4x500 meter or 4x1-kilometer relay. Special Olympics Wisconsin offers the 50-meter and 100-meter races for Developmental Cross-Country athletes. The 10-meter ski race and glide event are offered for athletes of low ability level.

EVENTS •Glide Event •10, 50,100, 500 Meter •1K, 3K, 5K, 7.5K •4x1 K Relay •4x500 Meter Relay

SPEED SKATING…

The first time athletes "raced" into international competition was at the 1977 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Speed Skating is fun for athletes of all ages and is a popular form of competition showcasing strength and coordination. Speed Skating is one of five official Special Olympics winter sports with 11,000 speed skaters around the globe. The top speed skaters reach speeds of up to 32 kilometers per hour!

Special Olympics Wisconsin also offers speed skating that follows the Unified Sports model. This model pairs equal numbers of athletes with and without cognitive disabilities on sports teams for training and competition. Individual athletes can compete in events ranging from a 25- meter race to the 1500-meter race. Beginners and athletes with lower ability can participate in a 25-meter straightaway event.

EVENTS •10 Meter Assisted •10 Meter •30 Meter Slalom  •100, 300, 500, 800, 1,000, 1,500 Meter

Information provided by Special Olympics of Wisconsin