Special Olympics Oregon [SOOR] is a non profit sports program that serves 14,000 athletes with mental and physical disabilities. This year, though, Special Olympics Oregon has decided to cancel their winter games activities.

Winter games will be cut because of the increase of athletes attending the program. In 2003 the Special Olympics Oregon served 1,200 athletes, while today they serve close to 14,000. The increase in athletes has developed into a strained budget.

“ In the for profit sector, when you have growth you just make more money. In the nonprofit sector, when you have major growth it costs more money. So we’re doing a little catch up here.” The organization’s CEO, Margie Hunt, told the Statesman Journal. Hunt explains that due to the program’s growth and status as a nonprofit organization, Special Olympics Oregon will have to save money after years of growth.

In 2018 though offering indoor winter sports, but also training for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Special Olympics Oregon will be saving money from their donations to bring back winter sports for their athletes throughout the years to come.