Appalachian Rolls Out White Carpet For Special Olympics

The French Swiss Ski College hosted the 29th annual Special Olympics Southeast Winter Games at Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock this past weekend.
More than 200 participants ranging in age from 8 to 50 attended the event that began on Sunday, February 4th with opening ceremonies and closed with ceremonies on Wednesday. Athletes from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North and South Carolina competed in Alpine Skiing and snowboarding events.
The Special Olympics Southeast Region Alpine Games began in 1977 when French-Swiss Ski College President Jim Cottrell worked to prepare seven athletes from North Carolina to compete in the first Special olympics International Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colo. From the experience, Cottrell recognized a need to develop Alpine Skiing training program for the athletes.
In 1978, the first Special Olympics Southeast Region Alpine Games were held at Appalachian Ski Mountain bringing athletes from six states together for competition and training. Having served on the international committee for Special Olympics Alpine skiing and as chair of the Alpine skiing sports development team for Special Olympics N.C. Cottrell has been able to make a global impact in the sport within the Special Olympics movement.
Special Olympics is an international movement which, through the years-round sports training and competition in the Olympic tradition, gives people with mental retardation the chance to strengthen their character, develop their physical skills, display their talents and fulfill their human potential. Through sports training and competition, people with mental retardation benefit physically, mentally,l socially and spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding with mentally retarded people in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
“There is no feeling in the world like helping these athletes achieve a goal that will remain in their memories for a lifetime,” Jim Cottrell said. “We find the Special Olympics to be the single most rewarding program we offer at The French-Swiss Ski College.”
Mr. Cottrell said community support in the past has helped the winter games to enjoy outstanding success. As has been the case in previous years, a host of special volunteers were on hand for the 2007 Games.