HISTORY
The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project got started in 2007 before the 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games.  The World Winter Games Organizing Committee (GOC) wanted to provide athletes with a gift, and in order to promote community awareness and involvement across the state of Idaho prior to the Games, created the Scarf Project.
   
The GOC thought the personal touch of a handmade item would allow scarf makers and athletes to experience an instant connection.  As the World Winter Games, the GOC also wanted to choose something that highlighted the ‘winter’ portion of the Games that also served a purpose. 

The scarves served as a personalized memento for the athletes, symbolizing their makers’ support. 

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? 
This year, the Scarf Project is already back in action for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games! With the national outreach received from Scarf Project sponsor Coats and Clark, the World Winter Games has already surpassed its goal of 5,000 scarves, receiving over 14,000 scarves over the last few months.  If you have not mailed in your scarf, there is still time to do so.  The World Winter Games will be accepting scarves until the 15 January 2009 deadline.      

Anyone can make and submit a scarf for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project, we just ask that you follow a few simple guidelines in order to maintain consistency:  

Colors:    Red Heart Yarn Color 0885-Delft Blue and 0311-White
Length:  Approximately 4 ½” x 50”
**Yarn is available at Walmart, where it can be purchased for a nominal fee, or through www.yarncollection.com .**


Once finished, place scarves in plastic bags with your name and address on a note card** along with a personal note to the athlete and mail or deliver them to: 

2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project
3150 W. Main Street
Boise, ID  83702  
 
**Please note, personal information cannot be shared with the delegation members and should not be included in the notes that accompany scarves.  We ask that you separate your contact information from the personal notes, so the World Winter Games can thank you appropriately for your support.  Within the personal notes, please include only your signature on these notes and do not include contact information such as phone numbers, addresses or email.**

Scarves must be received by no later than 15 January 2009.