GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Special Olympics Tennessee has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 State Winter Games, which were rescheduled for this weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This decision comes in response to the severe winter storm forecast to impact East Tennessee and a growing number of delegations withdrawing travel plans in the interest of athlete, coach, family, volunteer and staff safety.
Originally scheduled for January 25–27, and later rescheduled to February 1–3 due to weather concerns, the State Winter Games, presented by Wellpoint Tennessee, was set to bring together athletes from across Tennessee in skiing, snowboarding, speed skating at Ober Mountain, and 3v3 basketball competition at Rocky Top Sports World.
Out of an abundance of caution and with participant well-being as the organization’s highest priority, the event will not be held this year and will not be rescheduled. The safety of our athletes and their families remains paramount in every decision we make.
Special Olympics Tennessee looks forward to welcoming the entire Winter Games community back to Gatlinburg in 2027 for another celebration of athletic achievement, inclusion and unity.
For more information:
Visit https://www.specialolympicstn.org/wintergames