World Winter Games 2017
The Special Olympics World Winter Games will return to Austria, host of the 1993 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The Games will be held from March 18-24, 2017. Three thousand athletes representing 100 nations will compete in nine sports during the week-long event with the Opening Ceremony in Schladming on March 18.
Four athletes from North Dakota have been selected to represent the Special Olympics USA. Athletes include Christy Coughlin, Minot-Snowshoeing; Wade Wintermeyer, Jamestown-Snowshoeing; Dave Johs, Bismarck-Cross-Country Skiing; and Katielynn Ovitt, Bottineau-Alpine Skiing. Cindy Schopper of Valley City is an assistant Snowshoe coach, Dr. Julie Blehm is on the Special Olympics USA medical team and Kathleen Meagher, SOND President and CEO is the Family Coordinator for Special Olympics USA. Kevin Arthaud of Bismarck will represent the Law Enforcement Torch Run team running in the Final Leg. The team will carry the Flame of Hope through 45 cities, towns and communities across Austria culminating at the Opening Ceremony of the Games.
