Maine Special Olympics another rousing success

ORONO – Athletes sprinted, ran and leaped while families and friends clapped and cheered as the 37th annual Special Olympics Maine state summer games took place over the weekend at the University of Maine’s Beckett Family Track and Field Complex.

The athletes continued their tradition of being models of inspiration while receiving lots of support from family members, friends and volunteers. All shared the bond of having fun and smiling faces were prevalent throughout the weekend.

“It’s worthwhile,” said Dale Robertson, mother of Brewer Olympian Kyle Robinson. “It gives great joy and great happiness, and just a feeling of accomplishment for everybody.”

More than 1,300 athletes representing 150 teams from across the state competed in the events that included a variety of Olympic style sports for competitors ranging in ages from 8 to 88.

Many Olympians proudly displayed their accomplishments with their many gold, silver and bronze medals after competing in an assortment of events.

Josh Brown of Bonny Eagle in Standish showed off a sense of pride for his efforts on Saturday as he captured a gold medal in the running long jump. When asked if it was his favorite event, he wittily replied, “It is now.”

He also competed in the softball throw and 100-meter walk.

The competition opened on Friday with bowling and unified events, followed by bocce and track time trails. The Parade of Champions took place Friday night, followed by the opening ceremonies.

The Special Olympics featured teamwork and encouragement for all participants. Participants showed off competitive fire, but also had an equal value of sportsmanship as they hoped their peers could also be victorious.

“You may not win that gold, but I know that you will all be brave in the attempt to win that gold,” said Pat Perrino Jr., chairman of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics of Maine during opening ceremonies.

Perrino was quoting from the Special Olympics oath that states: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

All athletes made the pledge during opening ceremonies and the oath was on full display throughout the Games.

On Saturday, the athletes competed in track and field events and wheelchair competitions. That evening they took part in what organizers described as “Maine’s largest sit-down dinner,” followed by a victory dance.

Abigail Ranger of Bangor was pleased to be back to the Games for another year as she has been competing since 1998.

“It’s fun, I like to do it,” she said.

Ranger gave a detailed list of the friends she would also be supporting and was happy to cheer for her teammates. She also offered some advice for future competitors.

“Practice and try your best,” she said.

The Special Olympics are meaningful for not only the athletes, but also for their families and friends, who offer lots of support. Francie Butler of Brewer, mother of Olympian Daniel Butler, said seeing him smile makes it all worthwhile.

Daniel Butler showed that his performance can speak louder than words as he sprinted to a gold-medal in the 400 and had a big smile on his face during the entire lap around the track.

Robertson pointed out that the efforts of the athletes are memorable ones for them and their families.

“It doesn’t matter if they get a ribbon or a medal as long as they participate in whatever the activity is,” she said.

Robertson added that all parents with special needs children should have their children participate.

“It’s something that will always affect you – even though you’re not participating – for the rest of your life,” she said.

The Games concluded on Sunday with the walk races, the mile run and friendship circle.