2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games

In February 2009, Boise, Idaho will be the host site for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games which will attract more than 3,000 athletes from 85 nations to compete in seven sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing and speed skating. In addition, the Invitational Winter Games in February 2008 will serve as a prelude to the World Winter Games, and provides an opportunity for delegations to preview the world-class venues and community enthusiasm they will experience at the Games in 2009. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the state of Idaho. With thousands of volunteers, coaches, family members and supporters joining the athletes, the Games promise to be a truly unique opportunity for the world to witness how the universal language of sport can show the very best of the human spirit and all that it encompasses.