This year’s Special Olympics team was not unlike some UT football teams.  It was definitely a rebuilding year.  Not one of the skiers from previous years was returning.  We had 5 new skiers, one new snow boarder as well as a rookie (not Rookie Sliger) snow board coach.  After lacking a volunteer for a snow boarding coach for several years, I was hoodwinked into doing it.  This was made possible by Dale Strother obtaining his ski coach certification and he and Caroline Echerd (Dobyns-Bennett Special Education Teacher) taking over the skiing.

            Our first practice session was quite an ordeal with all new athletes.  The first challenge of the day was outfitting the crew.  This year we had mostly girl athletes and some of them were big girls.  After an early morning panic by Caroline concerning large enough bibs for the girls, I opened my trunk and the used gear that Allan Stevens had donated helped outfit a few of the girls.  The remaining required gear was quickly provided by Alpine Ski Center.  Mike Thomas can always be relied upon to help out in a pinch.  With everyone now properly outfitted, we headed to Ski Beech. 

            I had some previous concerns that morning whether Ski Beech would be open that day or not.  This practice day was on about the 10th day of 60 degree weather.  A quick call to the marketing director in the morning confirmed that they would be open.  In fact, after arriving, I believe they stayed open just for us that day, since we were the only ones there.  After obtaining our lift tickets and ski rentals (compliments of Ski Beech, thanks guys) we ventured out onto the snow or should I say snud.  I must say, I have skied under some poor conditions, but I believe this day took the cake.  All that was left was a 20 yard wide path of snow down Freestyle (beginner slope) with mud at bottom and top of the lift.  A "Rock Ski" day for sure.  Although it looked bad, the soft snow was all that these athletes required for learning on the first day.  Dale and Caroline did a great job of getting most of the skiers lift chair capable and snow plowing down.   Dustin, the snow boarding athlete, picked up the sport very quickly and was rapidly outpacing my skill set to coach him.  All in all, we had a good day and didn’t get too muddy.

            The next practice at Ski Beech went much smoother and the slopes were well covered this time.  Just about all the athletes were linking snow plow turns by the end of the day.  We were now ready to compete.

            We arrived at Gatlinburg mid afternoon on Sunday.  The athletes first got outfitted with the correct sized boots and then we ate a few snacks and headed up to the motel rooms at the Holiday Inn.  After getting settled into our rooms, it’s off to dinner at the convention center.  The first night’s dinner is always hosted by the American Legion Post in Gatlinburg.  They do a great job.  The funniest thing is that the elderly gentleman that is always directing the seating every year obviously must have been a drill Sergeant in the army.  If you even think about sitting somewhere other than where you were directed, "You would probably be taken out to the firing squad".  After dinner, we go to the opening ceremonies which are much like the regular Olympics where each team marches in with their area’s sign while the Olympic anthem is playing.  There are typically a few UT football players that come and sign autographs and pose for pictures.  The kids love it.  After the ceremonies, we head back to watch a movie, eat some more snacks and try to convince the kids that they need to be in bed by 11:00 PM if they (and the coaches) are going to survive a full day of practice. 

            Next morning, we eat breakfast, don our ski and ice skating gear and catch the trolley and tram to the top.  Some of the kids love the tram and others hug the floor not wanting to look out.  Once we pick up our equipment, we head to the bottom of the slopes to catch the torch parade.  The Olympic torch is skied down the mountain and is preceded by a group carrying flags.  Dale got to be in the torch parade and carry a flag this year.  The official Olympic torch is lit and the games get started.  We basically pair athletes off in groups of 2‑3 according to ability and just work on techniques in the morning.  After lunch, we actually start running some gates and learning that competition is not just going straight down the hill as fast as you can in a snow plow.  After a full day of practice, the kids are whooped and it’s back to the motel.  Dinner this night is provided by the Smokey Mountain Ski Club and they let you sit anywhere you want to.  After dinner, we do a quick trip up the Space Needle (compliments of one of Dale’s friend that owns it) and then it’s back to the motel for more snacks and movies.  Getting the kids in bed the second night is a lot less of a problem than it was the first night. 

            Dawn comes early and today its show time.  The athletes make a few free ski runs and then it’s qualifying time so that you get placed in flights much like we do in Crescent racing.  The flights usually consists of 3‑5 athletes so that all get either medals for 1st ‑ 3rd places or ribbons for 4th & 5th.  Once qualifying is done, the racing begins.  There are basically three division race courses that run on the bunny slope, on a green slope and on an intermediate slope. .  The bunny slope athletes do a 10 meter glide and then do a 20 yard, 3 cone slalom.  The other athletes make one GS course run and then two slalom course runs.   The GS is usually not a problem, but the first 2‑3 gates on the steeper part of the slalom courses take their toll.  If the athletes fall, they must be able to get back up and put skis back on without any assistance from the gate keepers.  After the competition is over the medal ceremonies begin.  You would not believe how proud these kids are of their medals.  Some of the kids will even wear them to the dinner and dance that night.

            After a shower and clothes change into dressier attire, we’re off to the dinner and dance.  Some of the kids have been plotting strategy for the dance for the past 3 days.  They have been scoping out potential dance partners and making prearranged dance plans.  Once the dinner is over, the games are declared over and the torch is past on to the next hosting area for the spring games.  Now the D.J. breaks out the music and partying begins.  This is usually my cue to sneak out and head back to the tri cities and work the next day.  One of these days, I am going to have to stay and dance.

            All attending had a great time.  No injuries the whole competition.  Ober Gatlinburg does a great job of hosting the Special Olympics and keeping the kids safe.   Try skiing there sometime.  When the temps have been cold, they have one of the best mogul runs in the area.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Rick Lott