The Cowboy State Games has become a tradition that is in its 21st year in Wyoming . This years sports festival will feature 21 sports over seven weekends in January, February, and March.  There will be something for everyone.  Events will include  basketball, volleyball, karate and judo, alpine and Nordic skiing, power lifting, archery, arm wrestling, fencing, equestrian, gymnastics, and more.  All events with the exception of gymnastics will take place in Casper.  Douglas will host gymnastics.

When the Games first began, events were staged during the summer, but over the last six years this has changed.  Now the major portion of the Games are scheduled during the winter, with President's Day weekend being the busiest.  The Games have become extremely popular with people from all over the state, but they are not intended to be a large media event.  The games present an opportunity for both young and old to compete just for fun.

The Games are open to all Wyoming athletes of all ages and skill levels. Entries are now being accepted.  For more information, log onto their website or call the Cowboy State Games office:

Eileen Ford
Executive Director

400 East First Street, Suite 315 (Wyoming Financial Building)
P.O. Box 3485
Casper, WY 82602

(307) 577-1125 voice
(307) 577-8111 fax
csg@tribcsp.com

The 18th annual “Festival of Trees” to benefit Special Olympics Wyoming was held this week at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.  The festival began on Sunday with the “Teddy Bear Tea”, a fun event for children of all ages.  The only cost to attend was one new teddy bear per family.  The donated bears were used to decorate the “Teddy Bear Tree” which is auctioned at the festival and usually brings the highest dollar amount.  In addition to hot cider, cookies, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, a “People’s Choice” tree was voted on.

The festival continued on Tuesday.  The evening featured spectacularly decorated trees for the live auction, a silent auction, great food from local vendors, entertainment, cocktails and more.  The event was one of the most reasonably priced events of the Christmas season.  Last year, more than $127,000 was raised for the Special Olympics Wyoming.

For more information, or to donate, call Special Olympics Wyoming at (307) 235-3062 or (800) 735-8345 or visit them online at http://www.specialolympicswy.org