Special Olympics National Winter Games 2023

UPDATE 27 AUGUST - event organisers of the Special Olympics National Winter Games regret to advise that due to reducing snow cover and the forecast for the coming week the event is unable to proceed on courses suitable for athletes to perform at their best. 

Mt Buller will be hosting the Special Olympics National Winter Games on Friday the 8^th of September and Saturday the 9^th of September. It is the qualifying event for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy in 2025. These National Winter Games are held every 4 years, the last one at Mt Buller being in 2015. There will be 40 competitors from Victoria, NSW, ACT, Queensland and WA.

There will be an Opening Ceremony on Friday morning at 8am in the Village Square. The Victorian Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) police officers will be bringing up a caldron to light at the Opening Ceremony. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a worldwide fundraising vehicle for Special Olympics. They help to provide opportunities for inclusion and improved quality of life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities through support for Special Olympics programs and championing fundraising initiatives. Friday will then be a free-ski day for the participants. 

Saturday is Race Day. Following the race, there will be Medal Presentations and a Closing Ceremony in the Village Square at 3pm. At 4pm, Cattleman’s has kindly offered their space for light refreshments for the all Special Olympics participants, family and crew.