Special Olympics KY holds Winter Games at Perfect North Slopes

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (Brad Underwood) - Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg is hosting a special event this week. Special Olympics Kentucky is holding its Winter Games there. The opening ceremonies took place Sunday evening. Dozens of athletes arrived before the Opening Ceremonies to get in some extra practice on the slopes. Over two days, more than 100 athletes will compete in this year's Winter Games. County by county and team after team, all of this year's Special Olympians and their coaches march to the base of hills at Perfect North Slopes. This year marks the 36th year of the Winter Games and the 19th time Perfect North has played host. Steven Heltsley has competed in all 19 of those Winter Games. "My first year I couldn't ski at all and now I'm over here doing all this advanced plus," said Steven. When asked if he sometimes get scared, Steven says that he just doesn't let himself get caught up in feeling scared. "No I don't get scared," said Steven. "It's on your mind, if you think about it, you get scared." After all the teams were introduced, the torch made its way to the cauldron. For Steven's mom, Sue Crowley, watching her son compete and win comes with mixed emotions. "[I'm] scared at times, but it's amazing to watch him," said Sue. With the torch lit and oath repeated. The games were opened. And before they get some rest, members of the Cincy Ski Team showed off with some tricks. On Monday, many of the athletes will be paired with members of the Ski Team. "We will pair them with their athletes to practice ski, learn to ski," said Special Olympics Kentucky Director Trish Mazzoni. "Then we will actually run time trials tomorrow [Monday]." Practice runs will be held beginning at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning. Those are followed by lunch and then time trials begin at 1 p.m.