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Cabarrus Special Olympics Cabarrus Special Olympics is a county-wide program designed to serve mentally retarded individuals living in Cabarrus County by providing athletic training and compe- tition. The program involves individuals living indepen- dently, in group homes, and with their families. The coordi- nator and 12 member steering committee, consisting of representatives from the medical field, the local school systems, human service agencies, parents, athletes, and civic groups oversee the program. The Special Populations/Spe- cial Events Supervisor, working in conjunction with thc steering committee, is responsible for developing year- round local training and competition opportunities, recruit- ing new athletes, hosting local competition, and fund raising. In the past year, Cabarrus Special Olympics partici- pated in the following training and competitive areas: Alpine Ski Program: The Cabarrus Special Olympics Al- pine Ski Team began their eight weeks of dry-land training in mid-October. In January, the full ski team including ten athletes and six coaches attended the North Carolina Special Olympics Winter Games in Boone. Over the last six years the ski team has developed a strong bond among athletes and coaches which has continued off the mountain. In the sum- mer of 1995 the ski team members and coaches will take a trip to Walt Disney World with money that was raised by team activities. Aquatics Program: The Cabarrus Special Olympics aquatic team trained and competed over a nine month period begin- ning in September. The nine member and four coach team practices weekly at the Cannon Memorial YMCA in Kan- napolis. Competition included invitational and regional swim meets and statewide competition at the North Carolina St~.:.:~.al Olympics Summer Games in Raleigh. In addition to the swim team, two other swim coaches and 20 volunteers conducted a five week "Learn to Swim" program for 30 non- swimmers. Athletics Program: In January, Cabarrus County schools and human service agencies began training athletes in track and field competition, and motor activity events for thc Spring competition. Approximately 700 local athletes, coaches, and volunteers participated in the Cabarrus County Special Olympics Spring Games held at Mt. Pleasant High School in April. Seven athletes and four coaches joined the Aquatics team in Raleigh for the North Carolina Special Olympics Summer Games. 14