Winter Games are Fast Approaching and Basketball Has Started Throughout the State

The 2023 SOKY winter sports season is well underway just days into the new year. The State Winter Games – our first championship event of the year – is fast approaching and basketball leagues and invitational tournaments are already underway. The winter sports season consists of our State Winter Games and basketball and cheerleading seasons.

Winter Games

Our State Winter Games returns for its 26th year at Perfect North Slopes and the 43rd overall Jan. 22-24. The Games also return to a three-day event for the first time since 2019. 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. The registration for athletes who wish to compete is Tuesday, January 3.

Basketball

Not surprisingly, basketball is the most popular team sport offering on the Special Olympics Kentucky calendar. The Special Olympics Kentucky basketball season, includes leagues in Louisville and Georgetown, a series of local tournaments and regional tournaments that determine teams for the State Basketball Tournament, which is scheduled for March 11-12 at Mid-America Sports Complex in Louisville.

2023 Basketball Schedule
Feb 11 – Region 2 Basketball Tournament, Elizabethtown
Feb 19 – Region 1 Basketball Tournament, Bowling Green
Feb 19 – Region 3 Basketball Tournament, Florence
March 11-12 – State Basketball Tournament, Louisville

Cheerleading

Kentucky has long been a global leader in the area of adaptive cheerleading programs. In 2023 our cheerleading season returns to full force with two regional competitions scheduled ahead of the State Cheerleading Competition. The East Regional Cheerleading Competition will be held Jan. 28 in conjunction with the Cheers for the New Year event at Madison Central High School in Richmond. The West Regional Cheerleading Competition will take place Feb. 4 as part of the Mercy Cheer Challenge at Mercy Academy in Louisville. The date and location of the State Cheerleading Competition is still to be determined.

For more information about any Special Olympics sports programs, contact Director of Sports and Competition Holly Vincent at [email protected] or 502-695-8222.