Athletes’ faces bright as sunshine Camaraderie comes out with competition

ORONO – The only thing brighter than the sun at the 40th annual Special Olympic Maine State Summer Games at the University of Maine on Saturday was the charisma and attitude of the participants.

There was always a person smiling and cheering, and not only for themselves, but for others too.

Robbie Ouellette, a 15-year-old from Lewiston, certainly had reason to be happy. He and his relay team had already earned a gold medal, and he also won a silver in the running long jump.

But Ouellette said his favorite part of the Special Olympic Games wasn’t just the competition.

“Everybody gets along together and everybody cheers for everybody … that’s what I like about it,” he said.

Approximately 1,300 athletes participated in the Games over the weekend.

Ouellette’s good sportsmanship was an example of what the Special Olympics represents as his positive energy was the norm.

Even an athlete who has participated in the Games for 26 years, 53-year-old Brian Tapley of the MERT Enterprises team in Bangor, still possessed the same amount of enthusiasm and good spirit as the younger competitors.

Tapley enjoyed giving a detailed the history of the Special Olympics before talking about his experience with them. While he had a competitive drive that is commonly seen at the Games, saying that he loves to “go only for the gold,” Tapley was notable also for why he competes.

“[I enjoy] dedicating all I’ve won in memory of those I remember,” said Tapley, who participated in the 100-meter dash, shot put and standing long jump. He dedicated his wins to an old friend, Dolly Rush.

Tapley’s outlook and that of his peers were evident to first-time volunteers Catherine MacDonald and Alyssa Dee, both Bangor High School juniors. They said they noticed the great competition, fun and encouragement around them.

“It’s really a great experience for them, and for me to see them,” said MacDonald, pointing out the athletes’ excitement, good sportsmanship and eagerness to participate.

Dee said she has had a lot of fun volunteering.

“[It’s] really cool to see how they all get into their races,” she said.

“It’s fun helping out and seeing everyone learn,” Dee added, explaining how she and her church group helped teach Olympians how to Hula Hoop.

The Olympians enjoyed those activities, but stayed focused on the competition as many triumphed in the track and field events.

Stephen Ritz-Perkins, a Hampden Academy senior, won a gold medal in the shot put. He was most excited about competing and seeing all the different people from across the state.

In addition to Ritz-Perkins’ accomplishments at the Games, he traveled to the national Games in Iowa in 2006 to bowl and met Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Tia Springer, a four-year veteran of Special Olympics, also said she enjoyed interacting with different people and added that her events went great.

“I like seeing everybody,” said the Brewer High senior, who participated in the running long jump, the 200-meter dash and the 100-meter dash.

The athletes displayed their enthusiasm and kindness for their peers, families and friends. A smile, handshake and friendly greeting were common as the Olympians also cheered each other on and created new bonds of friendship.