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Walk Wisconsin Will Take Place Near Our Plover Hotel
- Published on Thursday, 16 May 2013 06:00

It's the one sporting event for which "I'm no good" is no excuse for missing out. Walk Wisconsin, the largest walking event in the Midwest, is coming up quick and will be held near our very own Plover hotel.
One June 1st, thousands of Midwesterners will gather Pfiffner Park bandshell to begin a long day of moving their feet.
Why, you ask?
Don't you ever wish you could have the community and the pride of major athletes without the pain and pressure? With Walk Wisconsin, you can. The event in non-competitive and accommodates all ages and ability levels.
While every day power walkers may wish to tackle the full marathon course, three other options exist for those who prefer a less daunting task. Participants can choose to embark on a ¾, ½, or ¼ length path. If you do decide to tackle the full marathon, make sure you are prepared. Yes, it's only walking, but it's still 26 miles.
Active Portage County, the association that puts on Walk Wisconsin, recommends that those participating in the full marathon begin training at least 6 months prior to the event. So if you haven't started yet, maybe it's best to opt for a shorter course this year and start gearing up for 2014 after. Training plans tailored to course length are available on the Active Portage County website.
If community and a sense of accomplishment aren't enough, another reason to participate is the scenery. All courses wind around the Green Circle Trail which passes the Plover River, the Wisconsin River, and several lakes. As you walk you'll notice a variety of plants and wildlife that have taken root in our northern area.
Worried you may burn out partway?—no reason to. Every three miles you'll find a designated "comfort spot" where you can take a seat and refuel with food and beverages on site.
When you get to the finish line, reunite with friends and family and cheer on those still walking. From 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. there will be a picnic gathering on site (the Pfiffner Park Building at 501 Franklin Street). Sit back, relax, and take in the riverfront scene.

If you're traveling to the Plover area for the event and desire a place to rest after your day of walking, check out our Plover hotel. Just minutes from the Pfiffner Park Building, we'll be anxiously waiting to accommodate you.
Add a commentThe Special Olympics Iowa Summer Games Are Near Our Story City Hotel
- Published on Tuesday, 14 May 2013 06:00

Gear up for a weekend of courageous competition unlike any other. May 23rd-25th, Special Olympics Iowa will hold its annual Summer Games at a location near our Story City hotel.
The Summer Games are Special Olympics Iowa's largest event. Each May thousands of athletes travel to Ames to compete in various sports competitions. This year nearly 3,000 young boys and girls are set to attend.
After an opening ceremony (yes, it's that legit) at Hilton Coliseum on Friday night, athletes will travel to Iowa State University for the start of the games on Saturday. They'll compete in track and field events, cycling, soccer, and tennis, in keeping with Olympic tradition, in addition to roller skating, aquatics and other developmental events.
One of the most interesting and original of the competitions on the agenda is the bocce. The ancient ball sport, which is popular in Europe, dates back to the Roman Empire. The sport is perhaps most similar to bowling. Players throw a small metal ball down an asphalt court in an attempt to land it in a designated zone. The trickiest of players will take advantage of the allowance to knock the balls of competitors from the zone.
As competitions take place on Saturday, a variety of sports demonstrations will be held in the parking lot of the Lied Recreation Center.
After a long day of competition, participants will have a chance to unwind and have some fun. A Celebration Dance is scheduled for Saturday evening from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Hilton Coliseum.
If you'd like to volunteer to help at the Summer Games, you can register online through the Special Olympics Iowa website. Here you'll find a list of job descriptions and the opportunity to choose the day, time, event, and job you'd like.

Those traveling to Ames for the game will find our Story City hotel just a short drive from Iowa State University.
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