On Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 1 and 2, the Boothbay Region Special Olympics team traveled to the state games for competition in alpine events. Every six years, two areas are asked to sit out from the games as there is not enough housing on or around the mountain and that was this year for Boothbay and other groups as well. There is also competition in snowshoeing, Nordic and speed skating.

Special Olympics Maine called Boothbay to invite them for the two days of competition only, traveling both days. Teacher and coach Toby LeConte could barely get the words out and the student group jumped at the chance. The adults had been taking some serious racing lessons for six weeks at Lost Valley and they were thrilled as well.

The adults did fantastic!

Level 4 advanced, Division 1: Joey Ranco took the gold and Ronda LeConte took the bronze medal for their slalom runs. Brenda LeConte took the gold medal for her downhill run.

Division 2: Donny Dunning took the gold medal for his downhill run, a silver medal for his slalom, and a bronze for his Giant slalom. Matt Farnham finished with a sixth place ribbon for his downhill run.

Level 3 intermediates, Division 1: Danny Miller came away with gold medals in both the giant slalom and the slalom and a bronze in the downhill race.

It appears that the extra race lessons paid off for them and improved their positioning at the final events. They were very happy as the competition at this level is very tough.

The student athletes were not to be outdone as all their practice has been paying off, too. At level 4 advanced, Valerie Giles brought home a silver for her speed in the downhill run only to be outdone by teammate Donny Dunning. We were so proud of her. In Level 3 intermediates, Division 1, Deshawn Averill, "the beast," brought home two gold medals for his slalom and his downhill races. Chloe Desjardins “squeaked out” twp fine races giving her the gold medals in giant slalom and slalom and a “leave a trail” finish for a silver in her downhill competition. Matthew Hyson brought home a sixth place. He skied well with tough competition in his division. Grace Giles brought home a gold medal for her giant slalom and a silver for her downhill race. Amber Hyson, who is the most improved skier of the season, brought home consistent bronze medals for all her efforts in the slalom, giant slalom, and the downhill events.

In Division 2, advanced beginners Level 1, Vincent Giles received a gold for his downhill race. He was thrilled. In Level 1 beginners, Isaac Pray, in his first year of competition, came away with a fourth, fifth and seventh place finishes and is ready for Level 2 next year. John, "piper’s son" Rankin came away with three gold medals for each event he entered and is also ready for Level 2 next year. Blake Chadwick won a silver medal and two bronze medals and is ready for Level 2 as well.

Kelsey Hoyle, who has been practicing and doing a fine job, missed the event due to illness. Anthony Angelico, Royce Rogers and Coyle Lawler, not old enough to compete on the state level yet, have also been hard at work improving their skills and completing ski tasks. Royce Rogers will compete at Level 2 next year.

We next look forward to our Special Olympics fundraiser, the Leprechaun Leap at Hendricks Head Beach, Southport on Thursday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. This event is our only fundraiser for Boothbay’s athletes. We welcome all people to participate in one way or another to help us help continue this great program and its needs.