2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games From 6-13 February 2009, Boise, Idaho (USA), will host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which is expected to attract up to 3,000 athletes from more than 85 nations to compete in seven Olympic-type sports: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoe racing and speed skating.  Visit the 2009 World Games Web site at www.2009worldgames.org. Volunteer Sports Officials needed for 2009 World Winter Games. . . Learn more Tamarack Resort is one of the outstanding venues that will be used for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. [Photo ©Sherri Harkin/Tamarack Resort, used with permission, all rights reserved] Following in the footsteps of Nagano, Japan, the host of the 2005 World Winter Games, and Shanghai, China, the host of the 2007  World Summer Games, this event will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the state of Idaho. With thousands of volunteers, coaches, family members and supporters joining the athletes, the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games promises to be a truly unique opportunity for the world to witness how the universal language of sport can show the very best of the human spirit and all that it encompasses. Boise, site of the 2009 World Winter Games, is the largest metropolitan community in the state of Idaho, with over 185,000 residents, and is considered one of America's most livable and likable cities. [Photo © Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau, used with permission, all rights reserved] “It was clear to me and to our Board of Directors that Idaho, led by Jim and Pirie Grossman, had assembled the most compelling and complete bid proposal for the 2009 World Games,” said former Special Olympics CEO Bruce Pasternack. “They demonstrated that a strong leadership team coupled with great venues, enthusiasm, financial resources and a commitment to put Special Olympics athletes front and center is a winning combination for any bid.”      Contact Information 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games  3150 W. Main Street Boise, ID 83702 +1 (208) 938-5505 +1 (208) 939-5508 (Fax) Salle Uberuaga: salle.uberuaga@2009worldgames.org The 2009 World Games bid, prepared by Jim and Pirie Grossman of Destiny Productions, was endorsed by many prominent individuals, including Senator Larry Craig, Senator Michael D. Crapo, Representative C.L. "Butch" Otter, Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Boise Mayor David Bieter and Special Olympics Idaho. The honorary Board of Directors includes celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, Picabo Street, Teresa Heinz Kerry and John Kerry, and Bobby Farrelly. “This is a magical opportunity for the people of Idaho to show the world what we can do,” said Pirie Grossman. “We are honored to have been selected and can’t wait to get down to the business at hand.” In addition to world-class competition in Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoe racing and speed skating, the 2009 World Winter Games will also provide a venue for global discussions and action on the impact Special Olympics can make on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Up to 190 million people worldwide have an intellectual disability, making it the largest disability group worldwide. Intellectual disability crosses racial, ethnic, educational, social and economic lines, and can occur in any family. “Special Olympics World Winter Games provide a global stage for our athletes to showcase their talents and we invite the world to join our world of welcome — a world of inclusion and mutual respect, without bias or prejudice,” said Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics Board.