Volunteers are needed to help with the Special Olympics Montana State Winter Games on March 5-7 at Whitefish Mountain resort.

Whitefish has hosted the games for 22 consecutive years. Officials expect 366 athletes and 61 unified teammates from 24 teammates to compete in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. More than 150 local volunteers also help organize the event.

The Parade of Athletes will roll through Central Avenue from Third Street to Railway Street on Sunday, March 5 at 4 p.m., with the opening ceremony in Depot Park immediately following.

Fans are invited to watch competitions on the following Monday and Tuesday and are encouraged to volunteer for any positions that are still open. To sign up, contact Jamie Wood at jwood@somt.org or 406-564-2071, or sign up online at http://somt.org/day-event-volunteer-openings/.

Special Olympics Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides year-round sports training, athletic competition and health-related programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics encourages and empowers people with intellectual disabilities, promotes acceptance for all and fosters communities of understanding and respect. More than 2,400 athletes from 188 communities around the state participate in Special Olympic Montana, and nearly 4,000 volunteers help to organize local, area and state level competitions. For more information, visit http://www.somt.org or call 1-800-242-6876.