Local Athlete To Compete In 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games

Press release by Special Olympics Indiana - Ripley, Ohio, Dearborn Counties Chris Perdue will be competing in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter games in Graz, Schladming-Rohrmoos and Ramsau, Austria. Photo provided. (Aurora, Ind.) - Special Olympics Indiana - Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties (SOIN-ROD) athlete, Chris Perdue of Osgood, IND, is set to compete in snowboarding during the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The Games are scheduled to take place March 14-25, 2017 in Graz, Schladming-Rohrmoos and Ramsau, Austria. The 17-year-old, South Ripley High School student has a history of success snowboarding at the State-level and has already started training for his trip with Team USA. The World Games are flagship events for the Special Olympics Movement. They take place every two years and alternate between Summer and Winter Games. The Games can be the world's largest sporting event of the year. Thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters attend to see and cheer the skills and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities. Perdue got his start competing in snowboarding at Special Olympics Indiana’s Winter Games - taking place annually at Perfect North Slopes in January. During this year’s competition, Perdue took home two gold medals competing in the intermediate and advanced snowboarding events. “It was very evident from the beginning that Chris was a natural athlete and took to snowboarding very quickly,” said Jimmy Laub, SOIN-ROD Snowboarding Coach. “He excels with skill and sportsmanship on and off the slopes. I am very proud of his accomplishment and his future.” To assist in Perdue’s training, Perfect North Slopes has donated a Gold Pass for 2016 and 2017. “It is unbelievable and wonderful,” said Perdue. “Thank you to all the people who have supported me.” The 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games are expected to bring 3.000 athletes of 110 nations to compete. SOIN-ROD is currently fundraising for the $7,500 needed to send Perdue to Austria. Donations can be sent to 2017 World Winter Games, 429 Manchester St., Aurora, IN 47001. Checks need to be made payable to Special Olympics Indiana.