Special Olympics Winter Games at Bachelor March 1-2

Mountain Has Long History With Oregonians With Disabilities

Bend, Ore. — February 25, 2003 –Continuing a strong, growing relationship with Oregonians with disabilities, Mt. Bachelor is again hosting the Oregon Special Olympics Winter Games on Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2, 2003. 

Mt. Bachelor has hosted the Winter Games every season since 1982.  During the two-day event more than 300 athletes will compete in a variety of Alpine and Nordic races near the West Village Lodge and Nordic Center.  Mt. Bachelor employees do more than just set up slope fences and race courses for the games.  Besides donating all lift tickets and Nordic Trail Passes, Mt. Bachelor donates employee time from every department for making lunches for the hundreds of Special Olympians, coaches and volunteers. 

               Reaching beyond the Special Olympics, in recent years Mt. Bachelor has expanded its employment program to include participants from the Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon (OFCO).  Through OFCO and the State of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services department, Lodge Services Manager Jim Pierce employs numerous Oregonians with disabilities during the ski season.  Working independently, these employees are responsible for stocking supplies for resort guests’ use, clearing tables in cafeterias and maintaining resort bathroom facilities.  Starting with one full-time employee two years ago, this program has grown to three full-time employees during peak season.         

Mt. Bachelor also offers many recreation opportunities for guests with physical and mental challenges outside of the Special Olympics.  Working closely with Oregon Adaptive Skiing (OAS) volunteers, Mountain staff provides instruction and assistance for guests who sometimes need a little extra attention.  More than 15% of the 125 Mt. Bachelor ski and snowboard instructors have experience working with disabilities of all varieties.  In addition to discounted Adaptive lift tickets, the Mountain and OAS share the use of special equipment, such as Sit-Skis with outriggers, for guests who need more than just the normal ski or snowboard gear. 

For more information please visit www.soor.org or www.mtbachelor.com, or call 800-829-2442.

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