Boothbay Region Special Olympians competed in the Sagadahoc/Lincoln Area Special Olympics swim meet April 28 at the Bath YMCA. The Boothbay athletes took 11 first places, nine second places, four third places, one fourth place, two fifth places, one sixth place and one participation award.

Some of the notable performances were Blake Chadwick who won third in the 25m freestyle; Peter Brewster, first, 25m backstroke; Valerie Giles, first, 100m butterfly; and Donnie Dunning, Zander Blake and Vincent Giles, firsts, 25m free.

“Amber Hyson swam the 25 free and the 25 back preparing for the National Games in Florida as did Ronda LeConte swimming the 50 breast and the 50 back,” said Coach Toby LeConte. “Peter … won for his 25 backstroke which he completed with a sore arm … and Jameson Brooks swam a 25 meter backstroke for the first time.”

Boothbay’s number one relay team comprised of Joey Ranco, Ronda LeConte, Valerie Giles and Grace Giles won against a favored Bath team with athletes Tina Peaslee, Teddy Daniels, Dana Albright and Brandon Wear, said Coach LeConte. Both Peaslee and Albright used to be Boothbay Athletes, she said.

The Bath YMCA event was exciting for athletes and volunteers alike with 30 Morse High School volunteers keeping score, timing and presenting awards, said Coach LeConte. “The area was filled with happiness, skill, and the joy of finally competing.”