One of the more rewarding events you can experience in Gatlinburg are the Winter Special Olympics that occur every January at Ober Gatlinburg. It’s a great way to not only enjoy all the amenities offered at Ober, but also a way to cheer on some of the most deserving athletes you’ll ever meet.
Visitors are encouraged to come cheer on our Tennessee Special Olympics athletes as they compete for the gold and earn medals at their annual Winter Games. The two-day sports festival features events including snow skiing, ice skating and snowboarding.
Over 140 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding and Speed Skating in divisions based on age and ability. The traditional lighting of the Special Olympics flame will take place on Monday morning at 9am on top of Ober Gatlinburg. The medal ceremony will begin at 2pm on Tuesday.
Special Olympic athletes have a real passion for what they do and live up to their highest potentials both on the field and off. Not only are the Special Olympics about competing with one another for medals and prizes, but it is also about having fun, meeting new friends, becoming part of a team and learning new skills along the way. Children and adults are urged to train for the Tennessee Winter Special Olympics which offer three different events to compete in.
Whether you have friends and family that are competing in the Tennessee Winter Special Olympics or are simply visiting the area, this is an amazing event to attend. There is a tram available at the bottom of the mountain that can take guests up to Ober Gatlinburg. Watch competitions in Speed Skating, Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding at different levels from beginner to advanced and see which athletes go home with the gold during the 2013 season.