Fairfield residents participating in Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games

DUBUQUE ? The upcoming Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games will bring approximately 425 athletes from across the state to Dubuque to compete in the annual event Jan. 9-11.

A record number of athletes will participate in the 27th annual games, and seven participants signed up are from the Fairfield area. These athletes include: Jessica Clements, Joe Blain, Fabien Tourenne, Justin Cross, Andrew Peiffer, Trevor Pisano and Wesley Polson.

The sports include Alpine and Nordic skiing, figure skating, snowshoeing, speed skating and more. ?We have more than 170 coaches and chaperones, as well as 300 volunteers who will donate their time to serve the athletes and make this event a success,? said Wagner.

A highlight of the Winter Games is the opening ceremonies 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Grand Harbor Hotel. It includes a parade along the River Walk to the River Center Patio, and an athlete lighting the flame to officially kick off the Games.

?The opening ceremonies and the competitions are excellent times for the public to attend and show their support for the athletes,? said Wagner.

In addition to the sporting events, there will be a sports banquet at the Grand River Center, a dance, pool party, and Celebrity Race with 52 University of Northern Iowa students participating.

Special Olympics Iowa is a nonprofit organization serving Iowans with intellectual disabilities since 1968. SOIA provides year-round training and competitions in 23 Olympic-type sports for 11,000 athletes and Unified Sports Partners representing each of Iowa?s 99 counties.