FARMINGTON – The sun was finally shining and smiles were in abundance as 147 Special Olympians gathered at Mt. Blue High School Wednesday for the Franklin County Special Olympics spring games.

Postponed twice by rain this past week, the games went on Wednesday with 85 volunteers having just as much fun as participants.

There was jumping and running, softball tosses and many words of encouragement along with high-fives and ribbons for participants of all ages from several area school systems, nursing homes and work programs.

Sponsored by the Amvets Post 33 of Jay with help from the VFW in Livermore Falls and volunteers, the games were switched from Jay to Mt. Blue last year because of the more central location, said Gerry Toothaker, an organizer.

Four deputies from Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, an officer from Jay Police Department and police Chief Scott Nichols from Carrabassett Valley were there to help lead events and hand out ribbons, Lt. Niles Yeaton said.

The games started with Mt. Blue Voices singing of the national anthem. “It was just beautiful,” Toothaker said.

Members of Mt. Blue’s Honor Society also volunteer to help. A total of 44 were involved this year, said Barbara Cook, who was working at the registration table.

“We did it last year. It’s one of the things members look forward to doing,” said Kat Zachary, vice president of the Honor Society. “We’re here to support and cheer them on.”

Tossing hamburgers on to the grill, the experience of providing the games for the past several years has taught Amvets volunteer Jim Holt of Jay to appreciate the “really good hugs” given by participants, he said.

“You’ve never had a hug until you’ve had one from a Special Olympian,” he said. “They’re honest. When they say thank you, they mean it.”

Waiting for one of the 25 students brought to the games from SAD 58, Heidi Wheeler, who works with the students in Strong, said they love it. They really care a lot about the ribbons.

The Amvets Post undertakes the local spring and summer games with help from fundraising, Cook said. A large yard sale is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend at Otis Federal Credit Union in Jay.

Funds not only help with the games but Amvet members also sponsor two dances, one in the spring and one on Halloween, and six bowling events throughout the year for the Olympians, she said.