Staff photo by David Leaming

NUMBER ONE: Skater Rob Beck leads the pack during ice skating competition of the Special Olympics Maine 2009 Winter Games at Sugarloaf USA on Monday. Other skaters include James Therrien (645) and Caitlyn Gunn ( 520).

Staff photo by David Leaming

SUCCESS: Andy Gray of Gardiner is all smiles after finishing a 100- yard Nordic race during the Special Olympics Maine 2009 Winter Games at Sugarloaf USA on Monday.

Staff photo by David Leaming

TIME TO REFLECT: Images of snowshoe racers are reflected in the glasses of volunteer timer and Unity College student Alicia Matchie during the Special Olympics Maine 2009 Winetr Games at Sugarloaf USA on Monday. Matchie said she "loves the event" and added," I like helping people."

Staff photo by David Leaming

LIGHTEN UP: Athlete Dalton Kinney lights the Olympic flame during opening cermonies at the base of Sugarloaf USA for the two- day 2009 Special Olympics Winter Games. The annual event drew 500 competitors statewide for alpine, nordic skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing events.

 

Nearly 500 competitors from all over the state filled the mountain venues to race in Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoe and ice skating events.

The Olympians lined up to parade in subzero temperatures for the opening ceremonies of the 39th annual event for people with intellectual disabilities.

Hugging could have been added to the list of events.

Lisa Bird, public relations spokeswoman for the event, said Monday morning that the frigid temperatures wouldn't affect competitors, because they can do their event and go inside to warm up.

She said she was more concerned for the volunteers who had to stay outside most of the day.

Athletes, coaches and lots of volunteers arrived on Sunday for two days of winter competitions, as well as swimming, a torch-lit parade, karaoke singalongs, dances, banquets and fireworks.

The event is fun for veteran volunteers and newcomers. David Baird of the Maine Credit Union League has helped for the last 20 years while this was the first time helping for Unity College student Alicia Matchie, who said she loved the experience and helping people.

Smiles and cheers erupted throughout the dayfrom athletes and supporters.

For Hope Steel, of Mt. Ararat Middle School, the event was worth waiting for -- even in the low temperatures.

With a smile stretching across her face after finishing a race, Steel said, "This is good. I don't even mind the cold."