CASCO – Team Momentum athletes, representing Momentum Inc., a local social service agency providing support services to individuals with developmental disabilities, participated in the Special Olympics held recently at Sugarloaf/USA. There were six athletes and five coaches.

Athletes were Jessica Nevells of Casco, Raiden Thorndell of Harrison, Brian Fillion of Norway and Kristen Chase of Naples, all competed in the snowshoeing competitions. Robyn Perkins of Oxford and Greg Rogers of Naples competed in the downhill skiing competition winning Olympic gold medals in their competitions. All of the snowshoe athletes won ribbons in their events. Brian Fillion was selected from more than 200 athletes to receive the Frank Hemingway Award as the most enthusiastic and positive participant of the entire games.

Team Momentum coaches, Carol Dilkes, Rhonda Lausier, Dennis Strout, Lori Oliver and Lisa Thompson are all direct support professionals of Momentum Inc. and were all involved with the athletes in an extensive fund-raising effort in advance of the February competition.

A bake sale was held outside Tony’s in Naples, pizza kits were sold through Little Caesar and a craft fair was held. There were also some corporate sponsorships.

All contributions went to assist athletes and coaches with their registration and accommodation fees, and to purchase team jackets. Names of corporate sponsors were featured on all team jackets.