CARRABASSETT VALLEY – More than 500 athletes have signed up to compete at the 35th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games at Sugarloaf/USA.
It is the 23rd year the games will be held at the Sugarloaf Mountain ski area.
Athletes from all over Maine representing 63 different teams are scheduled to converge at Sugarloaf on the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 30.
The games won’t start until Monday, Jan. 31, and will conclude on Tuesday, Feb. 1, with medal presentations, said Phil Geelhoed, Special Olympics Maine’s chief executive officer.
People up and down the Carrabassett Valley area from Kingfield to Eustis are making casseroles, salads, desserts and other food items to feed more than 800 people at the community sit-down supper at 6 p.m. Sunday, Geelhoed said.
Athletes range from adults to schoolchildren, he said.
The events slated this year are speed and figure skating, Nordic events and three alpine events: downhill, slalom and giant slalom.
There are also two snowshoe events and a sit-down ski competition.
Special Olympics started in 1968 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw a need for some type of sports program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lisa Bird, Special Olympics Maine public relations director, said she expects about 400 coaches and volunteers to help with the games.
Over the years, the snowshoeing events have become more popular with athletes, especially the older ones aged 60 to 80.
“It’s what we call the 30 and over group,” Bird said.
The games will be kicked off with a the Parade of Champions, followed by the opening ceremonies and lighting of the olympic torch Monday.
In addition to participating in the various competitions, athletes will have the opportunity to enjoy several activities including rides on snowmobiles, groomers and sleighs.
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