Great Bear hosts race supporting Special Olympics skier

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — With temperatures rising, skiers and snowboarders have been able to enjoy a couple of beautiful days at Great Bear, and Sunday afternoon, they hit the slopes while also supporting a worthy cause.

Trophies were up for grabs at Great Bear. The ski valley has been holding weekly races throughout the season to give back to the community.

This week, they’re raising money for Nick Mills’ trip to Turin, Italy, where he’ll be participating in alpine skiing during the Special Olympics Winter World Games.

“It shows how much people can show support for what I’m doing,” Mills said.

Mills even joined in on the race himself. Great Bear is a place he’s all too familiar with.

“Nick has been here for around ten years or so. Great kid, great skier,” Great Bear general manager Dan Grider said.

To be able to perform on the international stage, he spent countless hours perfecting his craft.

“To get to that level, we’re talking world-class. That takes a lot of hard work, and it’s not just on the snow. There’s training in the gym and things like that. You really have to dedicate yourself. We’re very proud of him. Proud that he’s a Great Bear homer,” Grider said.

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Mills says his favorite thing about skiing has been meeting new people and coaches from all over the world. Now, with his trip to Italy about two weeks away, he’s ready to make more memories.

“I’m looking forward to just meeting new people and making more friends,” Mills said.

And everybody at Great Bear will be cheering him on.

“We’re going to make sure he’s got some Great Bear swag in Italy,” Grider said.

The opening ceremony for the Winter Games is set for March 8. Mills will be competing from March 10-15.