Spokane Valley's Heather Comer has done something many have not: stood proud on a center podium, accepting a gold medal, qualifying for the Olympics.

She's also had to overcome something many athletes have not: Down syndrome.

Later this month, 29-year-old Comer and her family will travel to the Special Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where she will compete in three Alpine skiing events: slalom, giant slalom and downhill.

"It just feels awesome," said Comer, a wide grin on her face.

The Special Olympics was launched in 1968 to combat negative stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities. About 1,000 people from 26 U.S. states and Canada competed in those first games.

This year, 3,300 people will compete in the world games.

Worldwide, however, 3.7 million athletes from more than 170 countries participate in Special Olympics activities.

Comer's love of the slopes began about 15 years ago, when she joined Spokane Parks and Recreation's Therapeutic Recreation Services program, which offers activities for the disabled in the community. Comer found a home with the Powderhounds, a ski team for the intellectually disabled.

"It's a great way to connect with friends," she said.

Now, Comer's family says she can easily keep up with her coaches and family members, all of whom are avid skiers.

But beyond skiing, participating in Powderhounds and the TRS program offers the disabled the opportunity to gain life skills, independence and confidence, coach Roger Schramm said. In some cases, the students' skills surpass those of their instructors, he said.

"They get confidence out of it," Schramm said. "They gain the ability to be away from their family or group homes. They get an opportunity to do something they don't normally."

"Hey Dad, can you skip the gym today and spend time with us instead?"