On February 9, 2012, Special Olympians from Northwest High School participated in the Ski Training Day, at Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

These student-athletes are part of special needs programs from various middle and high schools from Southwest Ohio and Southeast Indiana.

Brandon D., David F., Joey M., and DeTonio M. proudly represented Northwest High School. The student-athletes hit the slopes with wide smiles on their faces as they faced cold weather conditions that couldn't shake their will to fly down the slopes.

Although, not every run down the slope ended with the athletes on their skies, they would have just as much fun, if not more, lying on their backs in the snow. Northwest Special Olympians are coached by James Schultz, Linda Wingerberg, Sharon Ware, and Ruby Rias.

Pam Tonne accompanied students from Northwest High School/Butler Tech to assist the athletes, and they had the time of their lives.

The volunteers were paired with an athlete, aiding them with equipment and skiing. The volunteers helped every athlete slide down the hills, sometimes having to run to keep up and claimed that they had just as much fun as the athletes they were paired with.

The day ended with athletes and volunteers wondering if they could participate next year.  These students are members of Butler Tech’s Business Professionals of America Club at Northwest High School and were excited to help. 

The volunteers included Katie B., Kiara E., Kayla M., Alexis M., Dami O., Emilia O., Ricky P., Paige R., Emmanuel R., Trey R., Cory R., Tristin S., Swisdy T., and Jamya Z. 

Perfect North Slopes holds similar outings every year, giving these athletes the chance to show off their skills on the slopes, with their hopes of capturing the gold. 

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