PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Three hundred and two athletes, representing more than 30 schools and organizations, converged at the Gehrig Johnson Athletic Complex at Presque Isle Middle School May 13, 2016 for the 40th annual Aroostook County Special Olympics Spring Games.
The opening ceremonies included a parade, which was marshaled by the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus of Fort Fairfield and the Fort Fairfield Special Olympians. The Presque Isle Middle School band, under the direction of Patrick Bragdon, provided music during the parade.Several volunteers, including National Honor Society chapters from several Aroostook County high schools, the Maine State Police and other law enforcement officials and employees from longtime supporters Maine Mutual Group and WAGM-TV, were also on hand to assist and cheer on the athletes.
Darby Keegan of Fort Fairfield was designated as Guardian of the Flag and joined the Maine Forest Service’s George Harris in carrying in and lighting the Special Olympics flame.
As part of the ceremony, in which Gary Bowden served as the master of ceremonies, PIMS student Kacie Chapman sang the National Anthem, Pastor Dave Sylvain of the Presque Isle Wesleyan Church gave the invocation and PIMS Principal Anne Blanchard welcomed the athletes.
Two presentations were also made. Duane Belanger, the Polar Dip Coordinator for Aroostook County, and Mark Bourgoin, the council treasurer for the Aroostook County Knights of Columbus, presented Carl Michaud, representing the Aroostook County Area Management Team for Special Olympics, a check for $7,300, which were the proceeds from this year’s Polar Dip.
Harris then led the Special Olympic Oath, which states “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” and officially opened the games. Also, Debbie Lamont, another member of the area management team, presented a plaque to Lt. Brian Harris, on behalf of the Maine State Police Troop F, for 30 years of continuous service in the long jump event at the spring games.
On a day that remained dry throughout and warmed up as it progressed, athletes participated in wheelchair and running races, the softball throw and the standing long jump throughout the morning and into the early afternoon.
Winners are eligible to compete at the Special Olympics Maine Summer Games, to be held June 10-12 at the University of Maine at Orono.
