of a true athlete.
Athletes from the valley are getting ready to compete in the sSecial Olympics at China Peak.
CBS47's Lemor Abrams joined them for their first day of training.
As the sun shines bright over China Peak, skiers are all suited up and ready
to soar on the slopes.
Some are more careful than others.
You wouldn't tell by their cheers and dedication, but they are special skiers...training for a chance to win the Special Olympics winter games in the Sierra next month.
"When you put those boots and skis on...it's just something no one can take away from me," said Jacob Price.
Jacob Price has been hooked on skiing since the age of 9... not just for the speed...
"It's an absolute adrenaline rush," he said.
But to show that he can beat the odds, and become a champion.
"I say to myself hey, don't let nothing like a disability stop me because I know that I can do anything," he said.
75 student athletes from the valley are registered to compete in the Alpine
and Nordic Skiing events. Each on is more motivated than the other.
"Coming up here having fun being around all my peeps and just having a good time," said Taylor Wagner.
What better timing than having the games right around the time as the winter Olympics in Sochi.
"The athletes can watch and say I want to try to be here and compare themselves to them," said Trainer Ryan Stewart.
For now, their trainers are their role models.
And with a little push, the skiers are off...to the top.
Schedule
The Special Winter Olympics Ceremonies take place at the Shaver
Lake Community Center, Sunday February 23rd at 7am.
The competition will take place at the Sierra Summit, Sunday February 23rd
from 9am to 1pm.