Mercer Island Special Olympics is wrapping up the winter sports season with a Fun and Games Night on March 19 from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Club. The event is free.

Special Olympics is for athletes with intellectual disabilities, open to athletes beginning at age 8. Island athletes’ ages range from about 12 to the 40s.

Athletes participate year-round in a variety of sports. The winter season features basketball as well as skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing.  Other seasons include soccer, bowling, softball and golf. Competition is offered on teams and at individual skills levels.

Special Olympics is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club this past year for the use of sports facilities and several team social events during the year.

Parents or guardians with young athletes interested in Special Olympics sports are invited to visit this community in an informal party setting on March 19 at the Boys & Girls Club.  Athletes should wear soft-sole shoes for the gym.

MISO was organized by parents here about 10 years ago, says team facilitator Larry McWilliams, allowing a number of athletes graduating from high school to continue in athletic and social activities that they enjoyed through their school years.

The team is supported by family, friends, business and civic organizations on the Island and elsewhere, and competes under the Special Olympics Washington umbrella.  MISO appreciates the in-kind support received from Mercer Island Parks & Rec., Youth & Family Services and St. Monica Church.

Contact Special Olympics of Washington (SOWA) or the Mercer Island program at www.MISpecialOlympics.org.