The chance to volunteer at one of Montana's longest-running Special Olympics events is coming up fast. Giving you a chance to have a winter experience you'll never forget.

For the 41st year, organizers and athletes will gather at Lost Trail Powder Mountain for the Bitterroot Winter Games on March 4th and 5th.

The call is going out for volunteers and more schools that would like to attend the games.

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Participation slowed after the pandemic

Long-time volunteer Carla Christofferson says the games are still making a comeback after the pandemic forced the event to be canceled for two years.

"Participation was down a little bit," Carla tells me. "We'd certainly like more organizations to come on up and get a hold of our website, Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics. We could have more organizations sign up."

Dennis Bragg photo
Dennis Bragg photo
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Last year was the first time of using the first week in March, and conditions were much more favorable than at the end of January.

"That was well said. The weather was a lot more conducive to everybody enjoying themselves," Carla agrees. "Sometimes the end of January, the wind's blowing, it's bitter cold. It's more like spring skiing. It was very, very pleasant up there last year. And lots of smiles."

 

How to volunteer for the Bitterroot Winter Games

Carla says volunteers are welcome to sign up now and don't need any special winter sports skills.

"Just be prepared for a day filled with smiles and good times because the athletes are so glad to be there," Christofferson explains. "What you do is you help them line up for their races, make sure they get to the podium in time to get their ribbons and their medals. And we're just facilitating them being able to do their sport."

Dennis Bragg photo
Dennis Bragg photo
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You can volunteer both days or part of the day, and parents are encouraged to bring children to interact with and cheer the athletes.

"Athletes are so appreciative and it's just a fun day for everyone." -Carla Christofferson, Bitterroot Winter Games

"We've gotten several new young people involved in the last couple of years. They've got fresh ideas and it's helping us because we can always use more people on the core committee because there's always lots to do during the year to fundraise for the Olympics and then putting the Olympics on," Carla says.

Ways to volunteer

You can call the Games' new Google number at 720-767-1992. You can also sign up on the event's website.

Stunning Pictures of Yellowstone National Park in the Winter

Yellowstone National Park in the Winter

Gallery Credit: Chris Wolfe

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