In 1969, Special Olympics Maine held the worlds very first Special Olympics Winter Games.  It all began on a small hill in Gorham, ME, with only a handful of people.

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Today, in 2017 Special Olympics Maine will send close to 500 athletes to Sugarloaf USA for the 48th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games.   

The events will begin on Sunday evening, January 29,  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 on Monday morning, and Opening Ceremonies featuring the 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 will have the opportunity to 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 12-3 PM. 

During the three day event athletes will compete in Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, Snowshoe, Speed Skating, and Dual Ski. 

Special Olympics is a year round athletic training and competition program for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.  In Maine there are over 4000 athletes involved in the program. SOME offers over 70 events annually at the local, and state levels. The State Winter Games at Sugarloaf will host close to 500 athletes from 54 teams. 

Competitions will run through Tuesday morning and will conclude with Closing Ceremonies at Noon on January 31st.

This information was submitted to us as part of a press release. If you would like to share your community news or event with our audience, please email newspi@townsquaremedia.com.

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