Six Special Olympics athletes from Bonners Ferry competed in the Northern Winter Regionals at Schweitzer Mountain Resort on Feb. 26.  

All six athletes won medals in one or both of their events as they competed against other North Idaho athletes in slalom and giant slalom. 

“They all did a great job,” Bonners Ferry Head Coach John Beck said.  

More than the 14 athletes that participated in the event were expected to compete, but athletes from Coeur d'Alene and Kellogg were unable to attend because poor weather beforehand prevented proper training. 

“They weren't able to get enough practice to feel comfortable about this event,” Beck said.

Through a grant, the Bonners Ferry team received six two-hour individual skiing or snowboarding lessons. Beck said those lessons made a noticeable difference. 

“Four of them were returning athletes who could benefit from the grant a second time and then two new athletes got to take part in it this year for the first time,” Beck said. “I'm going to go ahead and brag a little bit about the program, because not one of our athletes this year missed the gate. They were able to make all their turns.” 

Beck said that all of the athletes were happy at the end of the regional event.  

“They're excited when people are there, cheering them on and giving them a high five,” Beck said. “It's a big deal for them.” 

The team is now practicing multiple sports with an eye toward the state games in Nampa on May 29-30.

“Some of our athletes have been invited to do swimming down at the YMCA in Sandpoint,” Beck said. “On Fridays, we do cycling and track and field practice. Saturday mornings, we have basketball practice at Mount Hall Elementary School.” 

The team is also holding its annual fundraiser for a Toyota 4Runner raffle. Tickets cost $25, with $17 going directly to the Bonners Ferry Special Olympics team and the remainder to Special Olympics Idaho. 

For any questions or comments, contact John Beck at 986-205-1244.