2009 Special Olympics Idaho

Boise, Idaho USA will play host to the world for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. From February 6 to 13, 2009, nearly 3,000 athletes from 85 countries will compete in seven Olympic-type sports: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

Held in the spectacular mountains of Boise, Tamarack Resort, and Sun Valley, Idaho, the 2009 World Games is expected to be the largest World Winter Special Olympics Games in the history of the movement.

Additionally, Idaho will hold an Invitational Games event from February 25-28 2008, that will serve as a prelude to the 2009 World Winter Games. The 2009 World Winter Games will also provide a venue for global discussions and action on the  impact Special Olympics can make on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Up to 190 million people worldwide have an intellectual disability, making it the largest disability group worldwide.

Intellectual disability crosses racial, ethnic, educational, social and economic lines, and can occur in any family.

"The global Special Olympics movement is bigger and stronger than ever," said Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver. "But there is still a lot of work to be done. A generation of young people is looking for something to inspire them, to engage them, something they can take ownership of and pride in. Our athletes provide that inspiration every day, and we invite the world to experience it firsthand."

Possible sports venues include Tamarack Resort, Bogus Basin, Taco Bell Arena, Qwest Arena, Idaho Ice World, Boise Center on the Grove and Boise State University. More than 2,000 athletes from 100 nations will participate in the 2009 World Winter Games, competing in seven Olympic-type sports.

"Idaho has the great honor of hosting the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games," said Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter. "It will be my privilege as Governor to welcome the world to our home and to invite everyone to be a fan of both this tremendous international event and the Special Olympics global movement. We are looking forward to a competitive extravaganza, as well as a diverse and profoundly human experience as the athletes showcase their abilities on the world stage."

Idaho is a combination of traditional and non-traditional sights and attractions. The State capital, Boise, is known as '"The City of the Trees" boasting museums and parks, a river flowing through the heart of the city and a 25 mile river front greenbelt. Southwest Idaho's easily accessible outdoor activities beckon the Boise visitor to enjoy nearby mountains for a wonderful winter retreat. Located just 16.5 miles from the city of Boise, Bogus Basin is considered the 'local' mountain.

Athletes from all over the world have started escorting the Flame of Hope through the Gem State. The flame arrived in Coeur d'Alene Thursday morning and is making its way through Northern Idaho. The flame began last November when the flame was lit in Athens, Greece.The torch traveled 37,000 miles and five continents. The flame will travel throughout Idaho for 10 days before arriving in Boise for the Opening Ceremonies on Feb 6th, 2009.

Further Information Regarding 2009 Special Olympics Idaho

2009 Special Olympics Close
The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games are now over. As athletes prepare to go home, they take with them memories of fellow competitors and the support of Idaho.

Impact of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Initiative
A new report released Wednesday, February 11, 2009 by Special Olympics found that based on their reported level of physical activity, Special Olympics athletes are more physically active than members of the general population in the United States. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will visit the Healthy Athletes venue at the World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho on Thursday, February 12, 2009. He will meet with athletes being screened for vision, and strength and conditioning.

Special Olympics World Winter Games Results 10 Feb 2009
Results provided by the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise Idaho include division, place, name, delegation and time/result.

2009 Special Olympics Sun Valley Event Schedule
Event times and schedule for the 2009 Special Olympic Winter Games in Sun Valley Boise Idaho.

Special Olympic Games Open
The Special Olympics Winter Games have opened in Boise Idaho. The games were declared the games open at Saturday's ceremonies, beginning a week of competition that includes figure skating, snowshoeing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, floor hockey and speed skating. Venues all over Southern Idaho will see competition involving more than 3,000 athletes from 85 countries.

Special Olympics Torch Arrives in Boise Idaho
Hundreds gathered in front of Boise City Hall Wednesday afternoon to watch the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Law Enforcement Torch Run arrive in the capital city.

Special Olympic Games 2009 Boise News
News items and information on sports events and preparations in the lead up to the 2009 Special Olympics hosted in Boise Idaho USA.

Celebrities Attending 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games
Special Olympics Announces Celebrities Attending 2009 World Winter Games Movie Stars, Olympic and Professional Athletes, Newsmakers and Government Officials Set to be Fans of Thousands of Special Olympics Athletes in February.

Medal Design Unveiled for 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games
The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games unveiled the highly anticipated athlete award designs for the upcoming World Winter Games. The designs, created by World Winter Games Director of Brand Management, Joan Scofield, incorporate patterns and elements of the signature snowflake from the World Winter Games logo.