Get Ready Now for Winter Sports

The Winter Sports Season is one of the smaller seasons on our calendar, but it does include two of our most unique events as well as our largest team sport. Cheerleading squads and basketball teams are already forming across the state and State Winter Games registration will open soon.

Winter Games

Our State Winter Games returns for its 29th year at Perfect North Slopes and the 46th overall Jan. 25-27. Nearly 100 athletes will once again compete in snowshoeing and alpine skiing. The skiing competition includes levels ranging from developmental (short glides without turns) to advanced plus, making the sport accessible to anyone interested in competing. Ski partners will again be on hand to teach athletes to ski or to help improve their skills.

For more information about the State Winter Games or how to register, contact Kim Satterwhite at ksatterwhite@soky.org or 502-695-8222.

Basketball

Not surprisingly, basketball is the most popular team sport offering on the Special Olympics Kentucky calendar.

Leagues open in January in Louisville and Georgetown. Teams are holding games in other areas and there are a handful of invitational tournaments this month leading up to regional Tournaments in February. Everything leads up to the State Tournament at MidAmerica Sports Complex in Louisville March 8-9.

2026 Basketball Schedule
Feb. 7-8 – Region 1 Basketball Tournament, Bowling Green
Feb. 7-8 – Region 3 Basketball Tournament, Elizabethtown
Feb. 21 – Region 2 Basketball Tournament, Florence
March 14-15 – State Basketball Tournament, Louisville

Cheerleading

Kentucky has long been a global leader in the area of adaptive cheerleading programs. In 2026 our State Cheerleading Competition will return Feb. 28 when squads take to the mats at Mercy Academy in Louisville.

For more information about the cheerleading program or how to register, contact Kim Satterwhite at ksatterwhite@soky.org or 502-695-8222.