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41st Special Olympics: Let the games begin

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The Special Olympics torch is lit to officially open the 41st annual Special Olympics at Sugarloaf today.


The Work First, Inc. team led by, from left to right: Scott Yeaton, Thomas Dye, Sharrie Zlotnick and Noele Brown, march into the Special Olympics opening ceremonies held today in a brisk wind at Sugarloaf.


The Special Olympics team from Mt. Blue RSU in Farmington march in the Parade of Champions at the start of the opening ceremonies.


A team from Jay, left to right: Dakota Cochran, 14, Billy Tourtelotte, 16, Anthony Collora, 12, and Mark Floyd, 15, compete in a snowshoe race at the Special Olympics today at Carrabassett Valley Academy. Many of CVA’s students were helping at the various game venues as time keepers, equipment managers and all were cheering the athletes on.


Anthony Collora, 12, of Jay, dives over the finish line at a snowshoe race held at the Special Olympics.

CARRABASSETT VALLEY – The 41st annual winter Special Olympics at Sugarloaf began today with opening ceremonies and a lighting of the Olympic torch under clear, blue skies with a brisk wind.

No one seemed to notice the cold temps as hundreds of athletes, coaches and supporters from across Maine gathered smiling beneath the big mountain streaked with white ski trails.

Athletes began competing first thing this morning in alpine and nordic skiing, speed skating, snowshoeing and dual ski. At noon, the athletes marched in the Parade of Champions, followed by the opening ceremony speeches and the torch lighting to kick off event.

More than 500 athletes from 80 Maine communities arrived here after training hard to give it their best shot. Competition continues through to Tuesday at noon, when closing ceremonies are held.

 

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2 Comments

  1. So I love the fact that my brother, Anthony Collora of Jay, is laying on the ground in one of these pics. Typical Anthony everything is a competition until the end, which, by this picture, shows his true colors. =]

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