In 1969, Special Olympics Maine held the world’s very first Special Olympics Winter Games. It all began on a small hill in Gorham, with only a handful of people. This month, for 2019, Special Olympics Maine will host nearly 400 athletes from 57 teams at Sugarloaf Jan. 27-29 for the 50th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games.

The events will begin on Sunday evening with one of Maine’s largest community suppers. Citizens of Carrabassett and surrounding areas will play host to the athletes by bringing in casseroles and desserts and serving over 800 people. The evening activities kick off with outdoor skating and hot chocolate, a sing-a-long and karaoke.

The competition will be underway bright and early on Monday morning, and Opening Ceremonies featuring our parade of athletes, will begin at noon sharp. That evening athletes will be treated to a torchlight parade, fireworks and victory dance.

Enroute to Sugarloaf, Special Olympic teams will have the opportunity to take a break and stretch their legs at a rest stop courtesy of the Roderick-Crosby Post and Auxiliary #28 of Farmington. Sandwiches, chips, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided to the athletes from noon to 3 p.m.

During the three-day event athletes will compete in Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, Snowshoe, Speed Skating and Dual Ski.

Special Olympics is a year-round athletic training and competition program for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. In Maine there are over 4,400 athletes involved in the program. SOME offers over 75 events annually at the local and state levels.

Competitions will run through Tuesday morning and will conclude with Closing Ceremonies at noon on Jan. 29.

As part of our annual scarf/hat campaign, every athlete and coach will be receiving a warm hand knit hat and scarf. Scarves and hats have been donated from people not only across the state of Maine but from out of state as well.

In other Winter Competition news, Special Olympics Maine will be sending two athletes to the World Winter Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi.

For further information on Special Olympics Maine or the State Winter Games please call our state office at 879-0489 or email Lisa Bird at lisab@somaine.org Begining Saturday, Jan. 26, feel free to call us at Sugarloaf at the Summit Hotel at 1-800-THE LOAF and ask to be connected with Special Olympics. Any questions during the games please call the Summit Hotel or Lisa Bird’s cell at 207-839-5578.