SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — For 43 years, the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania has hosted its winter games. This year, athletes were able to compete on the mountains at Seven Springs in a new way.

Athletes are now able to compete in snowboarding for the first time in the history of the games. In the past, the only winter sports they could compete in were snowshoeing, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.

"We thought it was important that it was in Special Olympics and the athletes had a chance and an option other than skiing and snowshoeing for their winter games," said co-director and coach of the games, Ashley Amato.

Amato says she and several other coaches fought to have snowboarding recognized as an official sport for the games this year. She says in the last two years while some athletes did snowboard at the games, there weren't enough competing for it to be an official sport.

Now with 16 athletes competing in snowboarding at the games this year, they were able to medal.

"First time it was great, it was definitely learning something new something I wasn’t used to and it was great. Even when you fall you want to get back up and keep going," said Leo Acevedo-Medina, an athlete competing in snowboarding.

Coaches say the athletes were excited to learn the new sport and gave it their all.

"They really listened to their coaches and bonded with their coaches. And you know they go down black diamonds now and I’m sitting in the lodge a little freaked out by that, but that’s what they’re doing they’re their own persons. They want challenge. They want to do this," said Amato.

Athletes say while they've enjoyed learning how to snowboard for the games this year, it's given them more than just a new sport to compete in. And they hope more people join them.

"The people, the interactions, a lot of cool snowboarders out there. A lot of great conversations and stories. They teach you a lot; it’s like a family. If you don’t do snowboarding get into it. It’s fun," said Acevedo-Medina.

Amato says in the future she's hopeful athletes competing in snowboarding can go on to qualify for the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

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