CARRABASSETT VALLEY – The sun shined brightly in the clear blue sky as 506 athletes from across the state participated in Special Olympics Maine’s Winter Games on Monday.
The smiles on the athletes’ faces told it all. After all, they’d been training for weeks for this two-day event.
Hundreds of volunteers and spectators cheered for the Olympians as they tried to score their best times in the 35th annual Winter Games. The time trials took place throughout the day for skiers, skaters and snowshoers at Sugarloaf/USA.
One athlete, Laurie Alexander, 14, a freshman at Edward Little High School in Auburn, was using her arm crutches adeptly as she raced on snowshoes at a fast clip in the 100-meter event. Once she crossed the finish line, she made her way to where her team members were waiting after the morning trials were over.
Up on the mountain, Olympians Jerry Bourget and his niece, Daisie-Mae Burpee, both of Farmington were getting ready for the Parade of Champions and opening ceremonies that were held in early afternoon. Bourget is a veteran of the games, he said, but it was his niece’s first time.
She said she and her uncle had been practicing in her backyard for the cross-country ski event.
“It doesn’t matter what place she comes in, as long as she does her best,” said her mother and assistant coach, Nora Burpee. “I’m proud of her either way.”
Teams from around the state lined up for the parade, ready to march up the stairs to Sugarloaf’s courtyard. Each group had a banner, some decorated with handprints or other special designs.
Elizabeth Hebert, 18, of Jay, would be participating in the snowshoe trials after the ceremony. She said she was excited about the games, but particularly looking forward to the victory dance Monday night.
Up at Sugarloaf’s Base Lodge, royalty in sashes and tiaras were waiting. Miss Farmington Fair, Samantha Henry, 15, of Farmington, and Little Miss Farmington Fair, Jessica Rose Thompson, 10, of Wilton, were ready to declare the games open at the conclusion of the opening ceremony.
Rylee Doiron, 15, of Wilton, said she was a little nervous about singing the national anthem in front of such a large crowd. Yet it was the fifth year that she hit the high notes without wavering as hundreds of hopeful faces looked up at her during the ceremony.
“It’s awesome,” Doiron said. “I love it.”
Matthew Amero, 20, a Jay High School student, and his father, Mark Amero, made up the M&M Team, a name signifying their Matthew & Mark pairing. Matthew had a special duty this year. He would light the “Flame of Hope.”
His father and a volunteer helped strap his boots into snowshoes. He walked down a part of the mountain, his father at his side, the lighted torch held high above his head. Father and son climbed the makeshift steps. The elder Amero’s hand was over his son’s as Matthew lighted the flame.
Haley Schwartz, 15, of Manchester, said she loves helping the athletes.
“My favorite part is when the kids respond to you. They’re just so happy to be there,” said Schwartz, a student at Maranacook Community High School in Readfield.
After the ceremony was done, members of AMVETS Post 33 drove snowmobiles around the courtyard with the flags proudly waving. It was time to begin another session of trials.
Athletes and coaches from Oxford Hills School District climbed aboard a school bus. They were going to watch fellow athletes compete in cross-country skiing.
When asked if they were having a good time, their reply was a resounding, “Yeah.”
Most of the finals in the various events will be held Tuesday, and medals will be awarded on that concluding day.
Comments are no longer available on this story