Seventeen local athletes traveled to the University of Maine at Orono on June 9-11 to compete in the Summer Special Olympics Games. They arrived on Friday late, as they attended graduation. Like in 2016, another athlete, student and friend, Thomas Wilcox, graduated.

The long distance races had taken place in the rain Friday. Boothbay was able to enter only three athletes. All others were at graduation. Ronda LeConte brought home the silver in the 400 event. The Parade of Athletes and the Opening Ceremonies were canceled due to the weather. That was good for Boothbay.

On Saturday, with the temperatures rising Boothbay’s Valerie Giles won a silver in the shot put and John “Piper” Rankin brought home a silver as well. Kelsey won the bronze in the 200 but Amber Hyson pulled out a run from behind to win the silver in the 200 and Zander Blake won the gold. Grace Giles won a gold in her division of the running long jump with Issac Pray winning a bronze and Anthony Angelico winning the gold. Not to be outdone, Vincent Giles won a gold in his 200 event with John “Piper” Rankin winning the silver. If you had seen Blake Chadwick listening to directions you would’ve seen him come from behind with a little encouragement from the coach. He was so very excited at his gold medal win. It is important to know that Brenda LeConte, Danny Miller, Donny Dunning, Matt Farnham and Joey Ranco brought lots of experience to the track.

Free time boasted three of the Wiscasset Speedway race cars with the Special Olympics symbol. The gang took pictures with them and a police Segway.

The Banquet of Champions was only outdone on Saturday night by the Victory Dance starring “Motor Booty.” Sunday boasted the mile runners and the Closing Ceremonies.