Children and adults with intellectual disabilities and a passion for winter sports will have a chance to compete in the 43rd annual Special Olympics Montana winter games on Feb. 24-26 at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Over 300 athletes, 150 coaches and chaperones, 30 unified partners, and 25 teams are anticipated to compete in four events; alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding.

This will be the 18th consecutive year that Whitefish Mountain Resort has hosted the event.

In addition to competition, special events such as the Parade of Athletes through downtown Whitefish, opening and closing ceremonies, Athlete Victory Banquet, dance and carnival, a families luncheon and more will be held. The public is invited to line Central Avenue from 3rd Street to Railway Street for the Parade of Athletes at 4 p.m. and then accompany the athletes to the opening ceremonies in Depot Park. The parade of athletes and Opening Ceremonies will include the ceremonial lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron.

As an athlete-centered, family-based and volunteer driven organization, Special Olympics Montana relies almost exclusively on the support of community volunteers, businesses and service organizations for leadership, planning and preparation, in-kind and financial gifts. The roles and duties are many, requiring upwards of 250 volunteers to organize and prepare for the games.

For volunteer inquiries contact Karen Kimball at 837-0319 or email dryflyk@gmail.com.

To learn more about Special Olympics Montana or receive additional information about the opportunities to help host or sponsor the 2013 winter games, contact Jim Lawrence, VP of Development at jlawrence@somt.org or call Special Olympics Montana headquarters at 800-242-6876.