CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Hundreds of Maine’s Special Olympians, their coaches and supporters gathered together for the opening ceremonies at Sugarloaf to celebrate athletic achievement in winter games for the 41st year.
A sea of royal blue and aqua handmade scarves created by knitters across the state and beyond were made especially for this year’s winter games. Organizer Lisa Bird told the crowd a total of 1,500 scarves had arrived for participants and supporters to wear.
“It’s an honor to wear this scarf,” said Dave Cota, town manger of Carrabassett Valley in his welcome to the crowd.
Don LeSuer of the AmVets Post 33 in Jay sang the national anthem and announced $2,000 had been raised for the Special Olympics from fund raising events held by the veterans’ group. Members will also be spending the next two days giving rides to athletes on their snowmobiles.
Special Olympics director, Steve Pierce led the athletes in their oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Snowboarder Keith Draper of Greene, who is a competitor at the games, rode down a short distance carrying the torch and lit the Special Olympics flame to officially open the games. A total of 423 athletes are competing through Tuesday morning in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and speed skating held on Sugarloaf Mountain and at the Outdoor Center.
A banquet, torch light parade down the mountain, fireworks and a dance will be held tonight. Closing ceremonies will be held at noon on Tuesday.
Go Tom! We’re all rooting for you.