Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games Underway

The 43rd annual Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games are now underway in Galena. More than 325 athletes came to the tri-state area to compete in the games, which began Tuesday and go through Thursday. The Winter Games include snowshoe and Alpine skiing events. Nate Henry, director of sports and competition for Special Olympics Illinois, said about 275 athletes were set to participate in the snowshoe event. The winter games are the first of 13 state championships. In order to compete at the state championships, athletes must have won a gold medal at a regional competition.