Greatest Show On Snow
By Kyle Dickerson

Every year, some of the finest athletes from across the state of Tennessee converge on the small township of Gatlinburg, tucked away high in the cover of the Smoky Mountains. They roll into town equipped with a spirit for competition, a will to improve, an undying desire to overcome all odds, and a positive air that envelopes everyone within miles. 2010 was no different.

In the early morning of February 2nd, a low rumble grew, as a crowd gathered near the bottom of Ober Mountain. High above the town of Gatlinburg, crisp air bit at the lungs, and giant flakes of snow danced through the morning sky. Just up the hill, through a thin line of trees, flashes of color drew the attention of spectators. And as the first athlete rounded the corner into the straightaway, the crowd erupted. Moments later, following a weaving line of coaches and her fellow athletes, an Alpine Skiing competitor came whipping into view with the Special Olympics torch held high for all to see. Making her way to the stand, her face stretched with a smile, she reached high into the air and touched off the Olympic Flame, signifying the beginning of the 2010 Tennessee Special Olympics State Winter Games.

While some athletes attend the games each year, competing in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, many athletes come to the games with very basic knowledge of the sports. Coaches spend the first day giving instruction to their athletes and promoting a work ethic among the group that encourages them to complete the task, positively striving for greatness. The intimate nature of the small groups allows for closer one-on-one coaching, a positive aspect, as most coaches rarely interact directly with athletes from their own area. “It’s important to make all the athletes feel comfortable with you as a coach, and becoming friends is that first step,” said Kyle Dickerson, a snowboarding coach out of Spring Hill, TN.

In an effort to combat the high costs of the competition, the state office made the difficult decision to exclude ice skating from this year’s sports. This decision considerably decreased the number of participating athletes, as the ice skating portion boasted the largest number of competitors in past years. Meg Takahashi, Director of Competitions for Special Olympics Tennessee, stated that even though the numbers were lower this year, the event was very manageable. “The competition was one of the best we’ve had in years. This had a great deal to do with the warm acceptance of Gatlinburg and Ober Mountain,” said Takahashi.

The city of Gatlinburg has always welcomed the event, and shows immeasurable support for both the athletes and their families. From the local businesses to the residents who call the area home, everyone makes the competitors, their coaches, and their families feel right at home. This year, Ober donated meals to the athletes and coaches, the city donated their convention center for the opening ceremonies, and local groups such as the American Legion and Smoky Mountain Ski Club donated their time and talents to ensure the experience was the most it could be for the athletes.
As Special Olympics Tennessee journeys into 2010, many great opportunities lie ahead for the athletes, coaches, supporters, and the state of Tennessee. The program is always in need of support, and you can learn more about those opportunities at the state website, www.specialolympicstn.org. And the next time you see one of our state’s great athletes, pat them on the back and tell them you’re proud of them. There’s no greater support that can be asked for.

Nashville Zoo At Grassmere - www.nashvillezoo.org
3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville - (615) 833-1534

2010 Nashville Calendar of Events

January 2010
Sunday, January 3 - Sunday, January 3
ARTQUEST at Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, TN
Inside the Frist Art Center in Nashville, Tennessee, is Martin Arquest Gallery.

Saturday, January 16 - Sunday, January 17
Annual Nashville Auto Fest at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville
Head out to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds for the annual Nashville Auto Fest featuring incredible collector and hot rod cars, contests and live entertainment.

Tuesday, January 19 - Sunday, January 31
The Annual Martin Luther King Commemorative Series: Harold Lowe Civil Rights at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN
The Annual Martin Luther King Commemorative Series: Harold Lowe Civil Rights at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN features a collection of powerful black and white photographs of civil rights activities in the city of Nashville,Tennessee, taken by Harold G.

On-Going January Events:
Friday, November 19 - Tuesday, January 5
A Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN
Take in a holiday carriage ride or enjoy a holiday feast with Louise Mandrell's Joy to the World Christmas Dinner Show during A Country Christmas.

February 2010
Thursday, February 4 - Sunday, February 7
SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN
Join some of the top names in bluegrass music for the 32nd Annual Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention at the Sheraton Music City Hotel!

Thursday, February 4 - Sunday, February 7
SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN
Join some of the top names in bluegrass music for the 32nd Annual Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention at the Sheraton Music City Hotel!

Thursday, February 4 - Sunday, February 7
SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN
Join some of the top names in bluegrass music for the 32nd Annual Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention at the Sheraton Music City Hotel!

Thursday, February 11 - Sunday, February 14
The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville at the Convention Center in Nashville, TN
Explore all things antique and garden-related at The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville.

Sunday, February 14 - Sunday, February 14
Valentine's Day in Nashville, TN
A trip to Nashville is the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the country music lover in your life.

Thursday, February 18 - Saturday, February 20
Heart of Country Antiques Show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN
Every year, antique enthusiasts from around the country converge on Nashville for the award-winning Heart of Country antiques show and sale that features over 150 dealers, tours, exhibits and lectures.

Friday, February 26 - Friday, February 26
Annual Induction Banquet at Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN
Be a part of a unique evening of sports by attending the Annual Induction Banquet Ceremony at the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, which is located at 501 Broadway in Nashville, TN.

March 2010
Friday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 3
CIRQUE DREAMS at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, TN
Situated alongside the Cumberland river in Davidson County, is the city of Nashville, known for being the capital of country music and hosting popular musical productions like the Cirque Dreams at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

April 2010
Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 1
Sing Me Back Home - A Journey Through Country Music at Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN is well known for being a treasure in the country music world.

Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 1
Sing Me Back Home - A Journey Through Country Music at Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN is well known for being a treasure in the country music world.

Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 1
Sing Me Back Home - A Journey Through Country Music at Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN is well known for being a treasure in the country music world.

Friday, April 30 - Friday, April 30
A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival at the Nashville Superspeedway in Nashville, TN
Join some of the finest wineries in the Volunteer State to celebrate a Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival at the Nashville Superspeedway.

May 2010
Thursday, May 7 - Sunday, May 9
Taste of Music City in Nashville, TN
Enjoy food samples, wine, beer, teas, and more from some of the best restaurants in Nashville at the Taste of Music City.

Friday, May 7 - Sunday, May 9
Tennessee Association of Crafts Artists' Fall Crafts Fair at Centennial Park in Nashville, TN
The 28th Tennessee Association of Crafts Artists Fall Crafts Fair showcases the phenomenal works of more than 180 artists and craftsman throughout the nation during the last weekend in September.

Friday, May 28 - Monday, May 31
Memorial Day in Nashville, TN
Head off for a getaway to Music City, USA to kick off your summer on a Memorial Day weekend trip to Nashville, TN.

July 2010
Friday, July 3 - Saturday, July 3
The Age of Jackson at Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, TN
Our country had many great presidents and now you can learn a great deal about the seventh president of the United States by visiting The Age of Jackson exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum located in Nashville, TN.

Friday, July 3 - Saturday, July 3
The Civil War and Reconstruction at Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, TN
The Civil War was an intense part of American History and now you can experience it first hand by visiting the Civil War and Reconstruction Exhibit on display at the Tennessee State Museum located in Nashville, TN.

September 2010
Saturday, September 4 - Monday, September 6
Labor Day Weekend in Nashville, TN
Enjoy the last weekend of the summer in the exciting city of Nashville.

Saturday, September 4 - Monday, September 6
Music City Jazz, Blues & Heritage Festival at Riverfront Park in Nashville, TN
Music City will have the blues during this two-day festival that features an incredible line-up of jazz, blues, reggae, funk, gospel, soul and R&B artists!

November 2010
On-Going November Events:
Friday, November 19 - Tuesday, January 5
A Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN
Take in a holiday carriage ride or enjoy a holiday feast with Louise Mandrell's Joy to the World Christmas Dinner Show during A Country Christmas.

BUFFALO BILLIARDS
154 SECOND AVE N. NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 313-7665

BOURBON STREET BLUES & BOOGIE BAR
220 PRINTERS ALLEY, NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 242-5837

3RD & LINDSLEY BAR & GRILL
816 3RD AVE S. NASHVILLE, TN 37210 (615) 259-9891

OPRYLAND USA INC-MUSIC CITY QUEEN RIVERBOAT
(SHOWTUNES - COUNTRY)
RIVERFRONT PARK, NASHVILLE, TN (615) 889-6611

STATION INN
(BLUEGRASS)
402 12th AVE S NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 255-3307

THE STAGE ON BROADWAY
412 BROADWAY NASHVILLE,
TN 37203  (615) 726-0504

THE FIDDLE & STEEL GUITAR BAR
210 PRINTERS ALLEY NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 251-9002

THE GIBSON BLUEGRASS SHOWCASE
161 OPRY MILLS DRIVE NASHVILLE, TN 37214 (615) 514-2233

LEGENDS CORNER
428 BRAODWAY NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 248-6334

THE SUTLER
2608 FRANKLIN ROAD NASHVILLE, TN (615) 297-9195

FAMILY WASH
2038 GREENWOOD AVE NASHVILLE, TN 37206  (615) 226-6070

MERE BULLES
5201 MARYLAND WAY BRENTWOOD TN 37207 (615) 467-1945

GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION
128 SECOND AVE N NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 251-9593

BELCOURT THEATRE
2102 BELCOURT AVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37212  (615) 383-9140

F. SCOTT'S JAZZ CLUB
2210 CRESTMOOR ROAD NASHVILLE, TN 37215 (615) 269-5861

RIPPY'S SMOKIN' BAR & GRILL
429 BROADWAY NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 244-7477

THE END
2219 ELLISTON PLACE NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 321-4457

NASHVILLE PALACE
2400 MUSIC VALLEY DRIVE NASHVILLE, TN 37214 (615) 248-6334

THE TRACE RESTAURANT
2000 BELCORT AVE NASHVILLE, TN 37212  (615) 385-2200

BEAN CENTRAL
2817 WEST END AVE NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 327-1159

SAPPHIRE
230 FRANKLIN ROAD -THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN- FRANKLIN, TN 37064 (615) 599-4995

BOARDWALK CAFÉ
4114 NOLENSVILLE ROAD NASHVILLE, TN 37211 (615) 832-5104

THE NASHVILLE PALACE
2400 MUSIC VALLEY DRIVE NASHVILLE, TN 37214 (615) 885-1540

THE SUTLER
2608 FRANKLIN ROAD NASHVILLE, TN 37204 (615) 297-9195

THE BASEMENT
1604 EIGHT AVE S NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 254-1604

CANTINA RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB
CUMMINGS STATION 209 10TH AVE S NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 259-4875

ALLEYCAT LOUNGE
1008 WOODLAND STREET NASHVILLE, TN 37206 (615) 262-5888

ALLEYGATORS UNDERGROUND LOUNGE
207 3RD AVE N NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 255-8840

THE BASEMENT
1604 8TH AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 254-1604

BEYOND THE EDGE
112 S 11TH STREET NASHVILLE, TN 37206  (615) 266-3343

BLUE SKY COURT
410 4TH AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37201  (615) 242-6033

BLUESBORO RHYTHM & BLUES CO
217 2ND AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 250-7832

BOURBON STREET BLUES & BOOGIE BAR
220 PRINTERS ALLEY NASHVILLE, TN 32701  (615) 2482-5897

TWO DOORS DOWN
1524 DEMONBREUM STREET NASHVILLE, TN 37203 (615) 780-0020

THE MUSE
835 4TH AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37201 (615) 251-0190

THE MERCY LOUNGE
1 CANNERY ROW NASHVILLE, TN 37201( 615) 251-3020

HAIR OF THE DOG
1831 12TH AVE S. NASHVILLE, TN 37203  (615) 386-3311