Photo by Ryan Haidet, WKYC-TV
Smiles, laughter, excitement and hugs filled the slopes at Brandywine Ski Resort on Thursday as the 2012 Special Olympics Ohio Winter Games wrapped up.
Athletes of all ages from around the state gathered to compete for two days this week in a variety of different events from timed downhill races to cross-country skiing.
Click here to see pictures from the event
As each competitor crossed the finish line, cheers filled the air along with words of encouragement.
"Good job, Nick!"
"Way to go, Ryan!"
The celebration was thick.
While some of the competitions were individual, several games featured teamwork between traditional and non-traditional athletes.
After the last skier hit the slope, an awards ceremony was held where each competitor proudly stood in front of the crowd to accept a medal or ribbon. It didn't matter who won or lost, everybody was smiling.
Click here to see Brandywine's battle with our warm winter
"The awards are always special," said Tim Etinne, the Special Olympics Ohio director of field operations. "We try and make every athlete fell like they're important, which they are. We just want to make sure their achievement is recognized."
There were 42 total skiers who competed and approximately 50 volunteers.
This marked the 30th Special Olympics Ohio Winter Games.
WKYC-TV