Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Monday

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Opening day events
Wednesday, Feb. 8

• 3:30-5 p.m.: Athlete snowmobile rides at the south side of the clubhouse at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

• 6-7 p.m.: Wertz Warriors autograph session in the pre-function area of Governor’s Hall at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

• 7:30 p.m.: Opening ceremonies and Wertz Warriors check presentation

Competition
Thursday, Feb. 9, and Friday, Feb. 10

• Alpine skiing (slalom, giant slalom and downhill) at Schuss Village

• Snowboarding (slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom) at Schuss Village

• Cross-country skiing (50M, 100M, 250M, 500M, 1K, 3K and 5K) at Schuss Village

• Snowshoeing (30M, 50M, 75M, 100M, 200M and 400M) at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

• Figure skating (compulsory and freestyle) at Howe Arena

• Speed skating (25M, 30M, 50M, 100M, 300M, 500M and 800M) at Howe Arena

Closing ceremony
Thursday, Feb. 9

• 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton will speak during the closing ceremony at Governor’s Hall at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

Visit www.somi.org for a complete competition schedule.

Related Photos

  • Competitors in the 75-meter snowshoe finals head for the finish line during last year's Special Olympics Michigan State Winter games at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme. Record-Eagle file photo/Jan-Michael Stump

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February 6, 2012

Special Olympics begin this week

By LISA PERKINS lperkins@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Brittany Raetz can't wait to hit the slopes this week when she joins nearly 800 Special Olympians for the 2012 State Winter Games.

Athletes from more than 60 Michigan counties along with 600 coaches, chaperones and volunteers will gather to compete beginning Wednesday at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Shanty Creek Resort and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center.

"It is a lot of fun; it helps me learn," said Raetz, 24, a downhill skier from Traverse City who has participated in Special Olympics events for two years.

Raetz and other athletes spend months training for events including alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, speed skating and figure skating.

Steve Thompson, games committee director for the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games for more than 30 years, said the games plan to hold events despite less than ideal snow conditions.

"I'm not at all concerned about the conditions at Shanty Creek Resort's Schuss Mountain because they do a great job of making snow for alpine skiing. And as far as cross country, they have been stockpiling snow for our athletes," he said.

Thompson has never had to cancel an event during the State Winter Games because of weather, but he has made adjustments some years.

When there is little or no snow, Thompson used straw and shortened the length of the snowshoe course.

"The staff and volunteers always work hard to create a positive athletic experience and make it work," he said.

Community members are invited to attend events throughout the competition, including the opening ceremonies, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

"We especially need fans in the stands during our figure- and speed-skating time trials and competition at Howe Ice Arena," said Kimberly Purdy, of Special Olympics Michigan.

Athletes will participate in skating trials from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday inside the Civic Center.

"The State Winter Games will have great spirit and heart as we unite to celebrate the athletes and their abilities," Purdy said.

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