Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
IOWA SPECIAL OLYMPICS WINTER GAMES
IOWA SPECIAL OLYMPICS WINTER GAMES. Annual athletic competition for the mentally handicapped. In 1991 the sixth annual event was held in January at SUNDOWN with 206 competitors. Started in Dubuque by Tom GAVIN, the skiing competition featured contestants ranging in ability from beginners to lower-advanced. Alpine events included the slalom, giant slalom, and downhill. Nordic (cross country) competition included 10, 300, and 500 meter races. Speed skating events, held at Five Flags, included 10, 100, and 500-meter races. Figure skating was another indoor event.
Financing the Olympics was a year-round activity with $14,000 raised for the 1991 contest. Service clubs contributed and individual athletes could be sponsored for fifty dollars. Larger fund-raising activities included refreshment stands, a golf outing, and swap meet.
