ORONO (AP) – About 1,300 athletes competed during the weekend in Maine’s 36th Special Olympics.

The event kicked off Friday night with a parade of Special Olympians from 187 Maine towns. Before coming to a close Monday night, there will be a dance and dinner, and much camaraderie among the athletes, parents, coaches and volunteers.

A sea of athletes from ages 8 to 94 dotted the University of Maine football field and track all weekend.

The Olympic theme song crackled from a tape recorder as the athletes stood on a podium at the 5-yard-line to receive their medals and ribbons.

Samantha Herring, 18, earned a gold medal in the long jump and a fifth-place ribbon in the 200-meter run.

“I like the competition,” Herring said. “I really like the fact that we get to compete against others in Maine.”

The event, held for the 20th year at the University of Maine, provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with mental retardation.

Besides athletic competition, the Special Olympics provides a venue for fellowship among the athletes, parents, coaches and volunteers. Molly Berry, 21, of Orono, likes that best.

“I like meeting new friends and hanging out and having fun,” Berry said.

Berry has more experience than most at the Special Olympics. She began training around age 6, and is a Special Olympics global messenger.

That means that beyond competing year-round and in the Special Olympics, she helps spread the message of the games through speaking engagements and traveling to the World Games.

Berry’s mother, Karen Berry, said the Special Olympics have been wonderful for her daughter’s development and confidence.

“We have found Special Olympics to be the most positive influence,” she said. “I know some of her peers who began with just the walks and are now running the 200. It’s built to be successful. I can’t say I’ve ever had a negative experience at Special Olympics.”

AP-ES-06-14-04 1624EDT