There were a lot of changes that Maine Special Olympics had to make for the State Winter Special Olympics Feb. 28 and 29 this year.

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing events had to be moved within the last couple of days because of the rain Wednesday finishing off the snow at Pineland Farms where those two venues were to have happened. They were moved to Lost Valley  in Auburn where the Alpine events were and Lost Valley made and groomed snow for us. Day one of competition was moved to day two. The rain caused all competitions other than skating events to happen on Thursday.

With icy Alpine conditions and freezing windy temperatures the Boothbay athletes did amazing. 

Competition was steep at Level 4, div. 2 and a large group 1 hundredths of seconds difference from each other battled their way to gold. Joey Ranco near the top returned in both events of the Slalom and the Super G with two fifth places beating out 7th and 8th place by the same margin. We were so proud of him as he led the Boothbay group . Zander Blake in his division 3 brought home two gold medals. He spends every week practicing and much more with help from his grandfather. In another division at Level 4 Grace Giles had the fastest speed. She lead her group with two golds as well. Ronda LeConte, not to be undone by many, returned from her events with a silver for the Super G and a non ranked for her Slalom – to be determined. Valerie Giles’ “slow and steady wins the race" was consistent and won a gold for the Super G and a bronze for the Slalom.

In Level 3 Anthony Angelico brought home two golds. He did an excellent job on the Super G not missing any gates. He had his head in the game on this event. We were so proud! Donny Dunning, a smooth skier in division 3, brought home a bronze for the Super G and a gold for his Slalom. Danny Miller won two 4th places for his fine work in Division 4. He was celebrating before the celebration started! Vincent Giles had a smooth race not missing any gates getting the 5th place for his Slalom and a “to be determined” for his Super G.

In Level 2. Blake Chadwick has been on the injured list with a soon to be fine broken knee.

Level 1 Division 1 Knowlyn Blake first year skier won three golds for 10 meter, Gliding, and Super Glide. He knew he was going to win he kept saying and he was right.

The athletes spent a night in the area hotel and had a celebration meal and the Victory Dance at the new Edward Little High School in Auburn.

Our new helper was Matthew Cusamano, a grade 7 student. He helped be a timer, cheer on, become a “gofer” pack up and battle the cold and ice with us all. He was so friendly and fun.

Coaches were thrilled with the outcome.