Special Olympics Winter Games glide to a close

Local News

Related Photos

Robert Schilling of Johnstown competes in the giant slalom Tuesday at Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort. John Rucosky
Jacob Yakicic, 11, of Sidman is all smiles after finishing his run in the novice slalom. John Rucosky

Discussion

February 24, 2009

BY KELLY URBAN The Tribune-Democrat Tue Feb 24, 2009, 11:10 PM EST

BAKERSVILLE — Tuesday was a great day for skiing.

As the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games wrapped up, 140 alpine athletes had one last shot to show off their skills on the slopes at Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort.

Mike Suman, the alpine sports director, said alpine skiing is broken down into three events – downhill, slalom and giant slalom – and there are three skill levels.

“We have novice, intermediate and advanced levels, and the coaches evaluate the athletes during prelims to see if they need to move up or down a level,” he said.

Suman said he makes a point of being on the slopes while the athletes are competing and offers encouragement as they make their way through the courses.

“We cheer them on and tell them to do their best,” he said.

A big part of the alpine event is that about 200 volunteers, made up of high school and college students and area residents, come work with the athletes.

“This is such a great cause, and everyone wants to help out and be a part of it,” said Marilyn Pavlakovic, the alpine volunteer coordinator.

Pavlakovic admitted things get hectic at times, but she and the other volunteers simply enjoy being with the athletes.

“This is a wonderful experience for the high school volunteers, and after they are here one year, they always want to come back,” she said.

For 10-year-old Marissa Penrose of Johnstown, competing is a good way to be with her friends.

“It’s fun,” she said while taking a break between runs.

Marissa, who has skied with the Cambria County team for two years, said she practices at Hidden Valley every Sunday.

“It’s something to do, and I did well today and didn’t fall at all,” she said.

Although Special Olympics is a competition, Suman said, it’s also a social event where athletes can interact with one another and forge lasting friendships.

“For some of them, this is the only time they get to do something like this, so we want them to have fun along the way,” he said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
A Boswell-based summer camp is expanding again, with an additional 130 acres of Ligonier-area land expected to provide more space for a growing program for inner-city youth.

February 10, 2012
City not seeking grant for firemen
Six weeks after a second round of layoffs, Johnstown firefighters believe they have found a way to restore their depleted manpower.

February 10, 2012
Six awarded Allegany College scholarships
Six Somerset County residents recently were awarded the Lucas Popernack Memorial Scholarships for study at Allegany College of Maryland in the current 2011-12 academic year.

February 10, 2012
Blogging with heart
Although it was probably high school English classes that propelled by career, I always liked science and history – with some notable, teacher-personality-or-competence-related exceptions.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Commissioners appoint three to arena board
The Cambria County commissioners, looking for new input for the county-owned War Memorial Arena, have appointed three new members to the seven-member War Memorial Authority board.

February 10, 2012
In brief: Police seek suspect in Lower Yoder burglary
West Hills Regional Police are searching for a suspect in the burglary of a Lower Yoder Township home on Tuesday.

February 10, 2012
Lawsuit: Bedford County shooting not 'justified'
The widow of a man who a prosecutor determined committed “suicide by cop” by pointing a weapon at state police during a standoff is suing, claiming the shooting was not justified.

February 10, 2012
Book honors Flight 93 co-pilot Homer
The widow of Flight 93 copilot LeRoy W. Homer Jr. is releasing a book this month on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

February 10, 2012
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Special Olympics Winter Games glide to a close

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Contact Us