All year Valerie Giles has been practicing her tennis skills and working out here at home and with the Special Olympics coach selected in Manchester and Waterville. Joey Ranco been doing the same. His practices have been in Waterville and outside of Bangor for his basketball while Grace Giles and Deshawn Averill have been repeating this as well for their soccer at Bowdoin College, Mechanic Falls and Hebron Academy.

Joey and Deshawn were chosen as alternates and they unfortunately will not be needed so they are wishing the girls well. We later learned after the National Special Olympics alternate deadline that a soccer player couldn’t attend but still too late for alternates at the national level.

The entire Boothbay athletes on teams outside of the area and current ones are so excited for their teammates and friends. We are all excited for them, this experience and the games. Highlights will be shown on ESPN and ABC. ESPN Saturday, June 20 Opening Ceremonies 7:30. Sunday, June 21, noon and highlights throughout the week. Maine athletes will be participating in 12 of the 16 sports.