From BG CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Special Olympics Ohio is excited to announce a new addition to its
state competition schedule: beginning in 2020, a State Winter Games competition will be held on the campus of Bowling Green State University.
Special Olympic Ohio’s 2020 State Winter Games will involve six different sports and two different competition events. The indoor sports (Basketball, Competitive Cheerleading, and Swimming) will be hosted at Bowling Green State University Feb. 21-23, 2020. Outdoor Winter Games events (Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, and exhibition Snowshoeing) will be at Brandywine Ski Resort in Sagamore Hills, Feb. 11-12.
“Special Olympics Ohio is committed to providing the highest quality sports training and competition opportunities for our athletes.” said Special Olympics Ohio President and CEO Jessica Stewart. “Based on what our athletes tell us, new sports like Competitive Cheer have been included in our offerings and we are thrilled to partner Bowling Green State University to provide our athletes with exceptional competition venues.”
“Bowling Green and Bowling Green State University are so proud to be selected to host Special Olympics Ohio’s 2020 Winter Games,” said Wendy Chambers, Executive Director of the BG Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Preparations are being made to host this exciting and wonderful event in BG!”
An estimated 1,500 athletes from all parts of Ohio are expected to compete in traditional and Unified state championship events at the Bowling Green Games. Unified Sports bring together equal numbers of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, of similar age and ability, to compete against other Unified Sports teams.
This program expands sports opportunities for athletes seeking new challenges and dramatically increases inclusion in the community.
In addition to sports competition, the Winter Games weekend in Bowling Green will also feature Opening Ceremonies, Athlete Village, and various other social events. Athlete Village is an interactive area where athletes, coaches, and family members can enjoy various activities, samples, and giveaways at vendor booths.
Members of the public (a.k.a. Fans in the Stands) are welcome and encouraged to attend any of the competitions, free of charge. Competition schedules and location information will be available closer to the event dates.
About Special Olympics Ohio
Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sports, health education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 18 different sports for nearly 22,000 children and adults giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
