In 1969, Special Olympics Maine held the world's very first Winter Games. It all began on a small hill in Gorham, Maine with only a handful of people. Today, in 2013 Special Olympics Maine will send nearly 500 athletes to Sugarloaf USA for the 44th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games. 

The events will begin on Sunday evening with one of Maine’s largest community suppers. Citizens of Carrabassett and surrounding areas will play host to the athletes by bringing in casseroles and desserts and serving more than 800 people. The evening activities kick off with outdoor skating and hot chocolate, a sing-a-long and karaoke.

The Boothbay Region Special Olympic team is sending a large contingent to Sugarloaf. Coach Toby LeConte will lead the following athletes: Ronda LeConte, Matt Farnham, Joey Ranco, Donny Dunning, Dana Albright, Danny Miller, Thomas Wilcox, Amber Hyson, Valerie Giles, Vincent Giles, Casey Graves, Cameron Serino, Logan Posey, Chloe Desjardins, Matthew Hyson, Grace Giles, Bobby Edwards, Blake Smith and Deshawn Averill. They are all alpine skiers and they will compete in downhill, slalom and giant slalom.

The competition will be underway bright and early on Monday morning, and Opening Ceremonies featuring our parade of athletes, will begin at noon sharp. That evening athletes will be treated to a torchlight parade, fireworks and victory dance.

Enroute to Sugarloaf, Special Olympic teams will have the opportunity to take a break and stretch their legs at a rest stop courtesy of the Roderick-Crosby Post and Auxiliary #28 of Farmington. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided to the athletes.

During the 3-day event athletes will compete in Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, Snowshoe, Speed Skating and Dual Ski.

Competitions will run through Tuesday morning and will conclude with Closing Ceremonies at noon on January 29.
For more information on Special Olympics Maine or the State Winter Games, please call our state office at 207-879-0489 or email Lisa Bird at lisab@somaine.org/.