Athletes from three states are ready for their big moment at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

Matt Aaron, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, said the competitors have been training for events in snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding.

Opening ceremonies were held Tuesday night, and the competition begins Wednesday. But during the downtime, the event becomes social, Aaron said.

“They’re excited for the competition. They’re excited to see their friends,” he said.

Nearly 300 athletes from Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia are participating in the event that is held annually at Seven Springs.

Special Olympics is an organization for athletes with physical or intellectual disabilities. Awards for winners will be given out Thursday. Some athletes may be advancing to the World Games, Aaron said.

Located in Somerset County, Seven Springs has hosted the games since 2015.

“The folks at the resort embrace us every year,” Aaron said.

Members of the public are invited to attend any of the events, which are held in easily accessible areas.

Winter Games ceremony

The opening ceremony featured the lighting of an Olympic cauldron by athletes and members of law enforcement. Athletes will be able to take a breather in between events at the AHN Chill Room: A Mindfulness Program. The space will be open for athletes who need to take a moment for relaxation or practice coping skills to help them refocus and perform.

“This event embodies inclusivity, unity and the power of sports to inspire and unite us all,” said Brett Cook, vice president and general manager of Seven Springs.

A complete schedule of the events is available at specialolympicspa.org/winter-games.

Softball coming this fall

The Special Olympics North America softball championship, featuring more than 30 teams from across the U.S. and Canada, is coming to Western Pennsylvania in September.

The No Offseason Sports facility on Little Deer Creek Valley Road near Russellton, West Deer will host the event Sept. 6-8.

Teams will compete in a traditional format, where the entire team comprises Special Olympics athletes or individuals with intellectual disabilities, or in a Unified format, where the team is made up of Special Olympic athletes and others without intellectual disabilities called Unified partners.

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