Alpine Skiing Special Olympics Turkey athlete Tugba Tekin, 13, flies down the slope on her way to a glold medal in the Alpine advanced downhill race at the 2005 World Winter Games. [Photo by Shinichiro Tanaka/Photo Kishimoto] Alpine skiing is an exciting winter sport that challenges the athlete's downhill racing ability and coordination. Special Olympics also offers Alpine skiing events for beginner and lower ability level athletes to train and compete in basic Alpine skiing skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to longer competitive events. These events include glide and walking events. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender. Alpine Skiing Facts Alpine skiing was first introduced as an Official Special Olympics Sport in 1977 at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA. More than 300 athletes competed in Alpine skiing at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. As of the 2005 Special Olympics Athlete Participation Report, 18,610 Special Olympics athletes compete in Alpine skiing. Alpine Skiing Events Novice: Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom Intermediate: Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom Advanced: Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels: Super Glide Glide Event 10-Meter Walk Related Links Fédération Internationale de Skie (FIS)