The Boothbay Region Special Olympics track and field team traveled to the University of Maine at Orono June 6-8 for the state competitions. Competitions were held there were in bocce, both traditional and unified; track and field with relays being both traditional and unified; as well as wheelchair and low motor events.

The Boothbay athletes were operating at the top of their game. It’s great when it all clicks. In the heat and humidity of the low 90s, Boothbay's 400M runners were able to deliver. Deshawn Averill was an outstanding winner of silver and Joey Ranco, Ronda LeConte, Grace Giles and Valerie Giles all bringing home gold. It was fantastic!

The relay triangle that we thought had a chance at gold brought home the bronze. It was made up of Joey Ranco, Valerie Giles, Grace Giles and Deshawn Averill. The relay team we thought had a chance of 4th or bronze but brought home the gold! That team had Peter Brewster, Vincent Giles, Ronda LeConte and Danny Miller.

The parade was modified as weather had thunderstorms forecasted but we were able to get in a small Parade of Athletes and opening ceremonies before it came.

On Saturday, Mindy Stevens, in a tough large division, beat out tw others to bring home the 6th in the 100 meter. Donny Dunning brought home the silver in the 100 and the gold in the 50. In the 200, John Piper Rankin brought home 5th place beating his best time by 3.2 seconds. In the running long jump we had a 6th place winner, Piper Rankin, a 4th place winner Peter Brewster, and golds for Deshawn Averill, Grace Giles, Vincent Giles and Danny Miller.

The rain on Saturday left a couple of age groups and several athletes with canceled events and disappointment as this was year two for them and the weather problems. Just before the rain poured, Joey Ranco and Deshawn Averill got their events in. Joey Ranco got a 6th in the javelin and Deshawn got a gold. It was excellent work and skill practice.

Saturday night, the exciting Dance with the "Jungle Safari" as the theme made all things right as they danced and enjoyed the night away with their friends from other schools, agencies, and areas in Maine. It was a great evening!

Sunday was time for those who do the 100m walk and the mile runs. Boothbay had no athletes in these events so it lent to time for friends and fun until the closing ceremonies. It was a great weekend that all can’t wait for.to happen again next year.