GATLINBURG, Tenn. — It's almost time for the 35th annual Special Olympics Winter Games!
The games will begin on Jan. 26 and go on through Jan. 28.
The traditional opening ceremonies including the March of the Athletes, the Special Olympics Oath and the presentations of colors will take place Sunday from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
The traditional lighting of the Special Olympics flame will take place Monday at 9 a.m. at Ober Gatlinburg.
This year, 150 athletes have been prepping their skis and skates for Alpine skiing, snowboarding and speed skating divisions.
Rocky Top Sports World will also host a new event: basketball.
The competition will be hosted by the Ober Gatlinburg Ski and Snowboard School, Ober Gatlinburg Ice Skaring Rink and Ober Gatlinburg.
Special Olympics Tennessee has 19 competing sports and more than 14,000 participating athletes.