Special Olympics hold Indiana Winter Games at Perfect North

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. - There was a big competition in Indiana Tuesday, as the Special Olympics had its state competition at Perfect North Slopes. The main lodge was filled with 183 athletes and coaches, along with another 200 volunteers. 

Athletes came from across the state to compete in alpine skiing, snow shoeing and snowboarding. But the competition isn’t everything, it’s a social event, as well.

Benji Hyatt has been competing the Special Olympics since he was 10 years old. He walked away with two first-place medals.

“Our delegation… we’re here to have fun, you know, mainly," Hyatt said. "We’re also here to win, too. Main thing, though, (is) we have fun, enjoy each other’s company.”

There were a lot of other winners, too, including 12-year-old Langdon.

“It was fun getting an award, ‘cause you know how good you did,” the boy said.

People of all ages and skill levels competed today, with their friends and families cheering them on. Dave Breen, director of sport management for Special Olympics Indiana,was pleased with the event.

“It went great," Breen said. "The conditions were great. We were a little nervous when the rain kicked in this weekend, but Sunday night, things cooled down."

He added, "They were able to make snow and the conditions are great. It’s powdery snow, just right conditions for our athletes.”

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