The Special Olympics West Texas Area 18 is gearing up for its annual Winter Games, which will take place on January 13-15, 2023, in Midland and Odessa. The event will feature more than 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in four sports: bowling, basketball, powerlifting, and figure skating.
A Celebration of Inclusion and Empowerment
The Special Olympics is a global movement that provides year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. The organization aims to promote inclusion, empowerment, and respect for all people, regardless of their abilities. The Special Olympics also offers health, education, and leadership programs for its athletes and their families.
The Winter Games is one of the major events of the Special Olympics West Texas Area 18, which covers 33 counties in the region. The event is organized by a team of staff, volunteers, coaches, and sponsors who work together to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the athletes and their supporters.
The Winter Games is more than just a sports competition. It is a celebration of the abilities and achievements of the athletes, who overcome challenges and stereotypes every day. The event also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants, who cheer for each other and make new friends.
A Variety of Sports and Activities
The Winter Games will kick off on Thursday, January 13, with the opening ceremony at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center in Midland. The ceremony will feature the parade of athletes, the lighting of the cauldron, and the recitation of the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
The sports competitions will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 14 and 15, at various venues in Midland and Odessa. The athletes will compete in four sports:
- Bowling: The bowling competition will be held at the Bowlero Midland and the Astro Bowl in Odessa. The athletes will compete in singles, doubles, and team events, as well as ramp bowling for those who need assistance.
- Basketball: The basketball competition will be held at the Odessa College Sports Center and the UTPB Gymnasium in Odessa. The athletes will compete in individual skills, 3-on-3, and 5-on-5 events, as well as unified sports, which involve teammates with and without intellectual disabilities.
- Powerlifting: The powerlifting competition will be held at the Midland YMCA. The athletes will compete in bench press, deadlift, and combination events, as well as show their strength and endurance in the squat lift.
- Figure skating: The figure skating competition will be held at the Music City Mall Ice Rink in Odessa. The athletes will compete in singles, pairs, and dance events, as well as showcase their artistic and technical skills in the freestyle program.
In addition to the sports competitions, the Winter Games will also offer other activities for the athletes and their families, such as the Healthy Athletes Village, the Victory Dance, and the Closing Ceremony. The Healthy Athletes Village will provide free health screenings and education for the athletes, covering areas such as vision, hearing, dental, nutrition, and fitness. The Victory Dance will be a fun and festive party for the athletes to celebrate their accomplishments and socialize with their peers. The Closing Ceremony will be a solemn and emotional event, where the athletes will receive their medals and ribbons, and say goodbye to their friends.
A Call for Support and Participation
The Winter Games is a free event for the athletes and their families, thanks to the generous support of the sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Some of the major sponsors of the event include Chevron, H-E-B, United Supermarkets, and the Permian Basin Area Foundation.
However, the Special Olympics West Texas Area 18 is always looking for more support and participation from the community. The organization welcomes anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor, donor, volunteer, coach, or unified partner for the event. The organization also invites anyone who wants to watch and cheer for the athletes during the event.
The Winter Games is a wonderful opportunity for the community to witness the spirit and talent of the Special Olympics athletes, who inspire and challenge everyone to be more inclusive, respectful, and courageous. The event is also a chance for the community to show its support and appreciation for the athletes, who deserve recognition and respect for their efforts and achievements.
For more information about the Winter Games, or to get involved with the Special Olympics West Texas Area 18, please visit their website or contact their office.
