Special Olympic athletes learn to ski at Perfect North

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. - People from the age of eight to 22 went to Perfect North Slopes to learn how to navigate their way on skis.  

Volunteers, instructors and nearly 150 Special Olympic athletes from Hamilton County came to learn how to ski.  The idea was to open new opportunities for the athletes. Some were intimidated in the beginning.

"They've never been on skis before," said Executive Director of the Hamilton County Special Olympics, Janet Smith.  "They see this big hill and they're like, 'Oh my gosh.'"

Learning a new skill like this can be exhausting both on the mind and body.  That is why Jon Colegate was sitting on the grass.

"Well, when people begin to learn skiing, they're going to fall sometimes," said Colegate. "So, you just have fun. Just go out there and try your best. That's how I did it."

Some athletes had one volunteer ski instructor, and multiple volunteers swarmed other individuals getting down the learning hill. Laughter, cheering, and grunting out of frustration could be heard coming from the groups.  Cheerleaders from Harrison High School expressed themselves all at once.

"Awesome fun."

"I thought it was really fun."

"The kids are having fun, which is really important."

While the volunteers helped and the athletes experienced a new sport, Jon Colegate expressed how his day went.

"I'm a complicated guy," he said. "I'm just too easy to learn. Like you got grass on the ground and snow.  So if you just want to hang out, you sit on the grass. If you want to have fun, go on the snow."

The HCSO is always looking add volunteers to the roster. You may contact Janet Smith here:

HCSO
4777 Red Bank Expressway
Suite 19
Cincinnati, OH 45227
Phone: 513-271-2606
http://www.hcso.info/get_involved_volunteers.php