March 4 programming includes giant slalom at Big Sky Resort, cross-country skiing at golf course
By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER
This year, 48 Montana Special Olympics athletes will compete in the 15th annual Big Sky Area Winter Games. The all-day event on Monday, March 4, will bring competitive giant slalom races at intermediate and advanced levels to Big Sky Resort and will hold a 1K cross country ski race at the Big Sky Golf Course and Nordic Center.
Winter Games Director Sean FitzGerald is excited to see the games return for another year. “I hope we can spread the word and when possible have people support the Special Olympics because it really is a special opportunity,” FitzGerald said. FitzGerald is also the director of spring games cycling and track and field.
“What I really look forward to is seeing all these competitors, getting everybody pumped up and excited to compete, and then watching them go and race and have this experience,” FitzGerald said. He encouraged anybody in the Big Sky community to come—with or without cowbells—to cheer on the athletes.
Opening ceremonies will take place at 9:20 a.m. at the Madison Base area, and races will go from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The advanced giant slalom race will be on Wagon Train and the intermediate race will be on Cupajo, both are best accessed from the Madison Base area.
One athlete will compete in a 1K cross country skiing race at 10:30 a.m. at the Big Sky Golf Course.
FitzGerald emphasized that the more people show up and cheer on the athletes, the better.
At the end of the day, Missy O’Malley will emcee the closing ceremonies at 3 p.m. at Madison Base in front of Headwaters Grill. The Big Sky Fire Department will be in attendance to celebrate the athletes and hand out ribbons.
