Special Olympics Aroostook County Spring Games 2013 [Photos & Video]

This was my first time attending the local Special Olympics and I just want to say that I was pretty amazed.

Even though the wind was blowing and most everyone had to break out their wintercoats the enthusiasm shined right on through.

The games kicked off at the Johnson Athletic Complex at Presque Isle Middle School. Athletes arrived and took to the astroturf for the National Anthem, the lighting of the torch and their official send off.

Just over 150 volunteers participated in the day’s events, including local National Honor Society students, the Maine State Police, and employees from MMG Insurance and WAGM-TV.

I spoke with Gina LeBlanc-Eggert, member of the Special Olympics Aroostook County Area Management Team, to find out about the day's events.

Roughly 290 athletes from Houlton to Fort Kent participated in this year’s games, which included the standing long jump, 100-meter run, softball throw and relay races.

The winners at the Spring Games have the chance to compete at the Special Olympics Maine Summer Games, set for June 7 - 9 at the University of Maine in Orono. Top finishers at UMO go on to compete at the national Special Olympics.

Did you have a chance to stop by The Presque Isle Middle School and check out the games? Let us know on Facebook.