Athletes from North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana will compete in the 2010 Special Olympics Southeast Region Alpine Games this weekend and into next week at Appalachian Ski Mountain. According to Watauga County Parks and Recreation's Karon Poteat, who is heading up the event, the three-day competition will begin on Sunday evening with a torchlight parade of athletes and coaches, and an opening ceremonies event on the ski slope.  Poteat said area law enforcement and Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson will be on hand for the lighting ceremony. The actual games will be held on Monday and Tuesday.  Spectators are welcome to attend the event, and volunteers are encouraged to be a part of the games. 

Interested residents can call Watauga County Parks and Recreation at 264-9511.