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. Today, in 2016 Special Olympics Maine will send 450 athletes to Sugarloaf USA for the 47th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games.

The events will begin on Sunday evening, Jan. 31 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.

En-route 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 4,000 athletes involved in the program. SOME offers over 60 events annually at the local, and state levels. The State Winter Games at Sugarloaf will host nearly 500 athletes from 64 teams.

Competitions will run through Tuesday morning and will conclude with Closing Ceremonies at noon on Feb. 2.

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