For as long as the Special Olympics Winter Games have existed, they’ve been held in Maine – because they were created here. But little about the Games has stayed the same.

Maine Special Olympics director Mickey Boutilier, who began the Winter Games 29 years ago, said everything about them has changed.

When the Maine Winter Games begin Jan. 31 at Sugarloaf/USA, those changes will again be apparent to all those involved.

“Thirty years ago when I started, I was all alone,” Boutilier said. “Newspapers were not publishing the names. We were viewed as a little get-together and would go on the society page. Now we make the sports pages. We are considered a sport. It has nothing to do with any of us. The people with mental retardation have proven they can do things.”

A week from Sunday, 481 athletes from 72 Maine communities and about 300 volunteers from around the state will travel to Sugarloaf for a festival involving four Olympic-style sports. There was a limit put on the number of athletes years ago as the number of interested competitors exceeded available accomodations on the mountain. The number of volunteers continues to grow.

Boutilier said the growth is a testament to the atheltes’ enthusiasm and their increasing abilities.

Mary Hopson of Stratton has volunteered for the past 15 years. She said the athletes are far more accomplished and capable.

“You see the skills the first day of time trials. Then when they go down on Tuesday for the medals, their skills have improved,” Hopson said. “And their expressions. If you like skiing, you enjoy watching anyone else learn.”

Bob Payne of Raymond has volunteered at the Games’ Nordic course for 14 years. Payne said when he started in 1985, many athletes struggled on the course. Now, he said, many are as good as people without disabilities.

Maine Special Olympics sends athletes to the Winter and Summer Games that are held at various U.S. sites every four years. Boutilier said while some states send no athletes, Maine sends as many competitors as any state.

And the athletes’ fervor has drawn an overflow of support.

Steve Pierce, the Maine Winter Games’ director for the past 14 years, has a team of 38 to run the 2 1/2-day event at Sugarloaf. But he said the volunteers are what make it a logistical feat.

“The volunteerism is unbelievable,” Pierce said. “There are so many organizations and clubs that come forth. It’s very important to direct those who take time off from work. When you have volunteers, and they’re not employees, it’s a challenge. But it’s a fun challenge.”

Payne also has seen the number of volunteers explode. A retired telephone company employee, Payne said the Telephone Pioneers each year send 50-70 volunteers, all of whom pay their own way.

“It’s very satisfying. The enthusiasm is unbelievable,” Payne said. “A lot of the same people have been coming for many years [to volunteer]. Once you’ve been there and done it, you’re hooked on it.”