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Special Olympics Winter Games set for Saturday

It’s a chance to watch some of the most enthusiastic athletes ever: the 2017 U.P. Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games is happening Saturday at Marquette Mountain.

We hope many folks find some time to get out to Marquette Mountain to cheer on the participating athletes.

These Special Olympians have been preparing to compete in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and rowing. We know they will be giving it their all.

This is the 30th year for Special Olympics winter games in our area. That translates into hundreds of athletes who have gone out to do their best in the sometimes overly wintry conditions found in the Upper Peninsula.

The opening ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. Saturday outside the main lodge area at Marquette Mountain, with competition starting at 1:30 p.m. and continuing until 4 p.m., when an awards ceremony is scheduled to begin.

After the athletes share dinner, they will gather for a closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

The participants then go to a dance at the Holiday Inn to wrap up a busy but fun day.

With the weather conditions forecast to be cold, those planning to attend are advised to check the Special Olympics Michigan Area 36 Facebook page for any cancellation updates as the local group is bound to follow the Michigan Special Olympics regulations in relation to weather.

Best of luck to all the athletes and big thanks to their coaches and all the volunteers who give of their time to make these games a huge success year after year.

We should all live by the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

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