— No matter how cold our region’s February temperatures, we’re always warmed by a visit from the folks with the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games.

Beginning Sunday for three days, these special athletes, their coaches, families, friends and organizers will bless our region, staying in our motels, eating at our restaurants and competing at our sports venues.

“We are thrilled to return to the Johnstown area for a 10th consecutive year,” Mike Ermer, associate director of competition for the western region, said.

So are our communities thrilled, and honored.

How fortunate we are that this organization has made its way to Johnstown for an entire decade.    

Actually, the event starts off with a splash of sorts at noon on Saturday. That’s when the “40 for 40 Polar Plunge” takes place at Quemahoning Reservoir at Boswell.

Brrrr.  Funds raised will benefit the Special Olympics.

Lighting of the Olympic torch will take place at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in Johns-town’s Central Park. But come earlier as the parade of athletes precedes the park ceremonies. The athletes will march from the Holiday Inn-Downtown to the park.

Competition will begin Feb. 14 at such venues as Hidden Valley and Blue Knob ski resorts, the Cambria County War Memorial Arena and Planet Ice in Richland Township.

A Victory Dance will be held during the evening at Richland High School.

Awards and closing ceremonies will be held Feb. 15.

A special thanks to the area’s many volunteers including Paula Eppley-Newman and Lesley Meyer, event director and co-director, respectively, and Jim Burton, who will serve as master of ceremonies.

Join us in welcoming more than 300 athletes from 28 counties and the Commonwealth of Virginia, 135 coaches and many others. May they enjoy their stay and return home with a lifetime of treasured memories.

Our region prides itself in being great hosts. No wonder so many fine organizations come back year after year.

Events



* Freezin For A Reason: Plunge into Quemahoning Reservoir at Boswell to raise funds for Special Olympics – noon Feb. 12.



* Opening ceremonies: Lighting of the Olympic torch in Central Park, Johnstown – 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13.



* Competition: Alpine skiing at Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Blue Knob Four Seasons Resort, figure skating at Cambria County War Memorial Arena and speed skating at Planet Ice in Richland Township – Feb. 14 and 15.



* Closing ceremonies: At each venue – 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 15.