The Boothbay Region Winter Special Olympics team recently traveled to Sugarloaf for three days of alpine competition and lots of fun.

The team had their final practice on Sunday afternoon, checked into their condo, and then back to the base lodge to be a part of the largest casserole, salad, and dessert supper in the state. All of these casseroles and salads were donated for the games.

Next, the athletes were treated to a free skate and hot chocolate at the Sugarloaf ice skating and touring center in Carabassett Valley. This is the venue for the Nordic and speed skating athletes.

On day two up in the base lodge, all alpine skiers are divided into levels of ability and are assigned a one-to-one. A one-to-one is a volunteer, many from the Carabbassett Valley Academy. They enjoy the two days with the athlete. All skiers go to their correct levels to do time trials that will place them in a correct heat. In the afternoon, the finals of the Giant Slalom event were held.

At noontime on Monday, the opening ceremonies took place. All athletes marched into the Sugarloaf area in front of the Lodge. They sang the “Star-Spangled Banner,” recited the Olympic Oath, thanked people all over the state and the mountain for making this happen, were given the best blessing and then the Olympic Flame was lit by the torch bearer. Next, the Special Olympics Games were declared open. All athletes were treated to a bag lunch and then back to the venues by 1 p.m.

At 3 p.m., all athletes were headed back to the condos to rest, prepare for the Champions Supper Meal, Torch Light Parade, Fireworks, and Victory Dance. The dance is a highlight of the Games, as athletes get to meet friends from other places, talk, dance, and share some downtime.

When the dance is over, the heat results were ready for day two. On Tuesday, there were two more races. The Slalom and the Super G are the two final events. All Boothbay athletes have been working hard and have been very successful.

After the closing ceremonies and a few good-byes, the Boothbay athletes headed back home to show off their successes. Boothbay athletes brought back five gold, eight silver, 14 Bronze, seven fourth, nine fifth, and five sixth places. The games were fantastic. Athletes were participating were: Ronda LeConte, Brenda LeConte, Matt Farnham, Donny Dunning, Joey Ranco, Danny Miller, Blake Chadwick, Kelsey Hoyle, Amber Hyson, Valerie Giles, Vincent Giles, ‘Piper” Rankin, Isaac Pray, Matthew Hyson, Grace Giles, Anthony Angelico. Helpers were: Dee Hines, Lori Ranco, Don Dixon, Dylan Geyer, Christy Tozier, Kyle Tozier. The classroom ed. techs and teacher also were in attendance. We were happy and surprised to see all the people who signed a poster for us congratulating us on our successes back at school.