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MARQUETTE -- With sunny skies overhead the day was perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Special Olympians from all over the UP traveled to Marquette Mountain to compete in this years winter games. And for many today was not all about the competing.

Mark Monburg of Marquette said "Because I like doing it and I'm not so bored and I get out to meet people."

"Just for the fun and comaderie." says Andrew Blanchard of Gladstone.

Crowds cheered on the racers as they competed in events.. and no matter how they finished, everyone was able to have a good time.

 "We have a little boy who can't see at all. He's totally blind and he wants to ski and today he skied." said John Robertson, a volunteer coach.

After a long day on the slopes, the athletes enjoyed a dance. The theme of the night was rock and roll and featured music, pictures with a jukebox, and guitar party favors.

For organizers, it was the perfect end to a rewarding day.

 "It gives them a chance to be out into the public. It gives them a chance to be able to be involved with different events that they normally could not participate in with a team because of a disability." states Marie Martin, the Area Director.

The day was filled with a lot of snowboarding and skiing, but the activities aren't over yet. Saturday marks the start of another day of activities including snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and physical fitness.