ORONO – The 41st annual Special Olympics Maine Summer Games will take place Friday through Sunday, June 5 to 7, at the University of Maine, Orono.

Nearly 1,400 athletes, ages 8 to 88, have been training and planning for the event. They will represent close to 150 teams from Kittery to Presque Isle and will compete in a variety of Olympic-style sports.

Competition will actually begin on Thursday, June 4, at 9 a.m. with bowling and unified bowling.

On Friday, there will be time trials, bocce competitions and relays.

A parade at 6 p.m. will be followed by opening ceremonies.

On Saturday, there will be track and field events and an Olympic Village of games and entertainment.

Saturday night will include a banquet and victory dance.

On Sunday morning the events conclude with walk and mile run finals and closing ceremonies.

For more information on the Summer Games or Special Olympics, call the state office at 879-0489.