BRIDGTON — Oxford County Special Olympics held State Games at Shawnee Peak on March 6 and 7.

One hundred and six athletes from Kennebec and Oxford counties, 100-plus volunteer and 82 coaches joined to see a performance of abilities based on competencies, commitment and courage in the sport of choice.

Eight speed skaters competed at Bridgton Academy Ice Area and Jeffery Dobson was the venue leader. Athletes competed 100m, 300m and 800m races. Wyatt Andersen was chosen for the 2012 outstanding skater award.

Seventeen cross country skiers challenged the base of the mountain with venue leader Ray Broomhall. Athletes competed in 100m, 500m and 1k races. James Littlefield won the Ray Broomhall Award for outstanding athlete in cross country skiing.

Twenty-one downhill skiers were led by Ken Ruff and Neil Williamson. Athletes competed in slalom, giant slalom, Super G and bi ski. Zachary Conley received the Shawnee Peak Award for Alpine Skiing,

Sixty snowshoers took charge of the area in front of lodge for their competitions, Rhonda Lausier was venue leader. Athletes competed in 25m, 50m, 100m races and Stephen Dean won the Tubbs Snowshoe Award

The athletes and families were also offered fun activities when they were not competing. A National Guard Humvee was available for the athletes to explore, view and have photo sessions and snowmobile rides were provided by the Easy Riders Snowmobile Club from Bridgton.

Smokey the Bear, accompanied by his ranger, spent time with everyone on the mountain.

A bonfire outside the lodge was made to watch others night ski as they waited for the Red Carpet Dance to open. Caprice Littlefield took charge of the dance. Athletes dressed up in there favorite “star,” such as Cinderella, Stone Cold Austin, Chuck Norris, Meryl Streep, Lucy Ball, to name a few.

A cookout lunch was held on the mountainside along with a banquet dinner before the dance and a bagged luncheon Wednesday. Mary Beth Sullivan managed the volunteers.

Scarves, from the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project, were given to all athletes, coaches and volunteers to wear for the parade and throughout the events..

The Oxford County Sportsman Award went to Momentum, the team that showed a positive approach to each day, helping peers when needed and handling success and defeat positively.

The Mickey Boutillier Award, that goes to a team who shows good stewardship of the mountain and buildings, went to Emma’s Happy Rebels.

Julie Pariesien, USA Alpine Olympian, spoke of her experiences and read the oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” at the opening.

Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Commissioner Barbara Smith spoke of the abilities the athletes presented on Shawnee Peak. Ed Rock, administrator, opened Shawnee Peak doors for Special Olympians.