Special Olympics Maine celebrates the 50th anniversary of its state Winter Games Jan. 26-28.

In 1970, 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, Special Olympics Maine will host nearly 400 athletes from 59 teams at Sugarloaf for the 50th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games.

The events begin on Sunday evening, Jan. 26 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 Monday morning, Jan. 27 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 can 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.

Competitions will run through Tuesday morning and conclude with Closing Ceremonies at noon on Jan. 28.

Special Olympics is a year-round athletic training and competition program for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. In Maine, there are over 4,800 athletes involved. SOME offers over 75 events annually at the local and state levels.

As part of our annual scarf campaign, every athlete and coach will receive a warm, hand-knit scarf donated from people across the state and from out of state as well.

For further information on Special Olympics Maine or the Winter Games, please call our state office at 879-0489 or email Lisa Bird at lisab@somaine.org

Beginning Jan. 25, feel free to call us at Sugarloaf at the Summit Hotel at 1-800-THE LOAF and ask to be connected with Special Olympics. If any questions during the games, please call the hotel or Bird’s cell at 207-839-5578.