Snowshoer Dalton Kinney, 18, from Lincoln Academy, lights the Flame of Hope to open the 39th annual Special Olympics Winter games 2009 at Sugarloaf today. Mainers Kinney and speed skater Caitlin Gunn, Nordic skier Josh Brosious and Jackie Contino, an alpine skier, will be competing in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Idaho Feb. 4.
The Cassabassett Valley Police Department, including Police Chef Scott Nichols, at right, lead the parade of champions at the Special Olympics opening ceremony today at Sugarloaf.
The MSAD 9 team marches in during the parade of champions at the opening ceremonies at the 39th annual Special Olympic Winter Games today.
Hundreds of athletes and their coaches from across Maine celebrate the opening of the 39th annual Special Olympics at Sugarloaf. Events include alpine and Nordic skiing, skating and snowshoeing. The games conclude Tuesday.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY – More than 400 athletes and 800 volunteers from more than 80 communities across Maine, were welcomed the the 39th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games held at Sugarloaf today.
Athletes are competing in alpine and Nordic skiing events, ice skating and snowshoe races that began with time trials on Monday morning at Sugarloaf and at the Outdoor Center nearby.
The Special Olympics was founded in 1962 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who had a sister with a disability. The games eventually evolved into a competition where people with intellectual disabilities could develop social skills, self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, all while having fun, according to the games’ mission statement.
These concepts are captured in the motto of the Special Olympics: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me by brave in the attempt.”
Five athletes from Cascade Brook School, three from Mt. Blue High School, 11 from Jay schools, two Orange Team members and 4 Team M&M members are competing from Franklin County.
Other activities highlighting this year’s event, in addition to the competitive events, include snowmobile rides provided by the Jay Amvets Post 33, fireworks, a torchlight parade, dinners, dances and more. The games close Tuesday afternoon. For a schedule of events, go to www.specialolympicsmaine.org
