The Boothbay Region Special Olympians have returned victorious from the Maine Winter Special Olympics Games held at Lost Valley / Norway Savings Arena, both in Auburn and Pineland Farms in Pownal, on Feb. 26 and 27.

Alpine events were held at Lost Valley and that was where Boothbay’s athletes competed. Pouring rain canceled the activities on the 27th so changes had to be made with the schedule.

Blake Chadwick, back from a broken knee last season and after much work, managed to take the podium for Level 2 to claim a 5th in the Slalom and a squeak by bronze in the Super G. He was so happy and the team erupted at his success!

In Level 3, Vincent Giles continued with his Slalom pattern and not missing a gate. This proved very successful for him. Vincent won a 4th for his slalom and a 4th for his Super G. Donny Dunning, congratulating his competition, did his team proud by hanging in there to return with two 5th places for his Slalom and Super G. Deshawn Averill is going places. He’s picking up where he left off when he was 4 feet tall and now, at over 6 feet tall, he’s learning to ski well and hopefully will be able to move levels soon. He came home with a silver for the Slalom and a bronze for the Super G. Not to be outdone, Danny “Boone” Miller continued the same path making good judgments and completing his celebration after the finish gate on the Super G. Danny returned with a gold and a silver for the Slalom and the Giant Slalom events.

In Level 4, tougher competition continued and we had three of the four athletes vying for the top 3 spots in their groupings. Lots of very good skiers but Boothbay’s skiers were not to be outdone. Valerie Giles made huge improvements, achieved her goals and is back on track after a disappointing last year. She won a gold for her Slalom and a gold for her Super G. Grace Giles, known as “Rocket Girl,” won the bronze for her Super G. In her Slalom event she brought home the 5th. Ronda LeConte is the fastest in her age group for females as well. She, too, was outstanding bringing home a silver for her Slalom. The Super G brought her a 5thplace. Joey Ranco with the fastest time in the Slalom came home with a gold. He is a hard worker and a team leader. In the Super G he did it again with a silver.

All venues hosting the games came back together for the Banquet and the Dance. Both events were held at Edward Little High School. "Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked” were the themes.

Former Boothbay student Dana Albright was on the news as was Valerie Giles, and Ronda LeConte was on Instagram. All supported friends and other athletes cheering and congratulating them. Competition, following rules, and outsmarting your opponent by practicing and working hard paid off. All were excellent examples of that.

Supporting the athletes the practices and games are Roberta Blaney, Mary Pawlowski, Don Dickson, Zac Miller and Cormac Miller.