Starting today, more than 1,500 athletes will converge on the University of Maine. They will sprint around the Beckett track. They will toss softballs and hit volleyballs. They will knock over bowling pins.

And they will be smiling.

It’s time again for the Special Olympics Summer Games, now in their 32nd year.

Special Olympics director of administration and family services Linda Fredericks said the games give participants the chance to enjoy their athletic ability and to interact with their competitors.

“They love to train and compete, but there’s so much more to [the games]. You can see it in the joy on the athletes’ faces and their parents’ faces,” she said.

The action gets under way today at 9 a.m., when the bowling competition will be held at the Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes in Brewer. The bowling continues Friday at 9 a.m.

The competition also shifts to UMaine Friday, with the mile trials kicking off events on the track at 10 a.m.

Formation for the parade of athletes will begin Friday on the track at 5:30 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. Track events begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The closing ceremonies are scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday.

Fredericks said the games are an event athletes, coaches and volunteers look forward to all year.

“The athletes get to see friends they haven’t seen in a year, and to stay overnight in the dorms – it’s very exciting for them. And they always say their favorite part is the dance [on Saturday night],” she said.

Athletes from age 8 to senior citizens have the opportunity to compete in up to four events. The athletes are placed in divisions so every participant is grouped against competitors of similar ability.

Fredericks said the process of placing athletes in divisions involves entering the age, sex and seed time or distance of the athlete into a computer program. The seed times are drawn from the results of the county games, which were held during May.

The last several weeks have been among the busiest of the year at the state Special Olympics office. With only six full-time paid workers statewide, Fredericks said it has meant putting in extra long hours. But the regular staff has been bolstered by the contribution of volunteers.

“This program wouldn’t be where it is today without the volunteers,” she said.

In addition to the athletic competition, this year the Maine Dietetic Association will hold a Special Smiles nutrition event Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Nutrition and dental professionals will offer athletes oral health education, screening and referral services.

Maine is one of 20 states nationwide that is holding a Special Smiles event. Its aim is to increase access to dental care for individuals with special needs.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the Special Olympics may contact the state office at 879-0489.