Did you know the Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games are being held in Galena this year? The event is the climactic contest for those participating in alpine skiing and snow shoeing. The Winter Games, held Feb. 11-13 at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, will feature more than 450 athletes who compete over the span of three days.

First held at Soldier Field in July 1968, the Special Olympics was created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to give people with intellectual disabilities an outlet to realize their potential in sports and bring self-confidence to the participants.

The Winter Games features a modified giant slalom time trial and a snowshoeing event. The event also features an athlete parade in Galena, complete with a torch lighting ceremony to signify the beginning of the games. Several events are held over the course of the games and participants are not charged for attending.

Special Olympics Illinois holds events in many sports across the state year-round. Learn more about the organization and the event here.