Lincoln and Sagadahoc County Special Olympics teams came together for a morning of fun and competition May 9. Boothbay Region coach Toby LeConte emceed the track and field event keeping excellent order as athletes from Boothbay, Wiscasset, Lincoln Academy, Great Salt Bay, Jefferson, Morse, Brunswick and Mount Ararat schools participated in the Parade of Athletes led by torch bearer Nicholas Spear from Mount Ararat.
Morse’s Case Jacobs led the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: “Let me win, but if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Athletes competed in a variety of events including: one-mile run, 1600m walk, 800m run, 400m dash, 200m dash, 100m dash, 100m walk, 50m dash, 25m wheelchair distance, 25m walk, 10m assisted and unassisted walks, shot put, running long jump, relays and unified relays. The softball throw and standing long jump competitions were held all morning as athletes participated between other events.
Boothbay Region pushed hard in several events emerging victorious with 14 first, 14 second and 22 third place awards on the day and eight fourth place, five fifth place, one sixth and one seventh place awards and a participation award.
Though busy making her rounds to events, LeConte was thrilled by the high energy and applause from family and friends cheering on athletes from all schools. The 400m dash was especially fun to watch, said LeConte. “It was a great race.”
Wiscasset Special Education Life Skills teacher Deb Melanson said this was her second year attending the track and field event and first time in seven years for Wiscasset’s team to participate away from home turf. As an organizer for past events, Melanson said Morse did an excellent job in its first attempt hosting the event.
“The track at McMann field was amazing – very professional. The kids enjoyed the events and proudly walked away with their many deserving ribbons … It was a beautiful day and there were many happy faces at the end of the day.”
The next big event will be the 50th anniversary of the State Summer Games and will be held June 7-9 at the University of Maine in Orono.
JOSEPH CHARPENTIER/Boothbay Register