ORONO, Maine — Special Olympics Maine hosted the 2024 State Summer Games at the University of Maine over the weekend, bringing together an expected 5,000 participants, volunteers, and attendees.
The annual event gives athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete in various sports and connect with their community.
“We look forward to it every year,” athlete Carol Gaudin said.
The games kicked off Friday, with bocce competitions, runs, a Young Athletes Festival, a parade, and the opening ceremony.
On Saturday, athletes competed in track and field events.
“It makes me feel good to be a winner,” athlete Anna Strout said.
The State Summer Games is the biggest event of the year for Special Olympics Maine, bringing high energy and positivity. The organization also hosts State Winter Games and several other community and outreach events throughout the year.
"Competing's been great. I'm happy,” athlete Josh Levasseur said.
About 1,200 athletes across the state have been training all spring and got the chance Saturday to compete in events like running, shotput, and softball throw.
“Everybody is doing great, all the athletes. I'm very proud,” Gaudin said.
Being cheered on by friends and family, crossing the finish line, and getting on the podium to receive a medal all made participants equally excited.
For many, it’s about more than athletics—it’s about community.
“I think the most fun is talking to people and the events. I like them all equally really,” athlete Josh Shuman said.
Strout values the connections she makes.
“I like being here. [You] meet new people, meet new friends,” she said.
Athlete Anna McDougal loves to see new and old friends alike.
“It’s a community of friends just having fun together,” she said.
McDougal is being recognized for her athletics by the state. She is being inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame this year for her accomplishments in alpine skiing.
“I'm the first Special Olympian of Special Olympics to be inducted,” she said.
McDougal's specialty sport is skiing, but she said she loves the summer games as well. This weekend, her team won gold in bocce.
“It's about the love of sports and being together and just trying to compete to the heart's content,” she said.
The athletes showed their appreciation for the people who made the event possible.
“I want to thank the community for all the hard work they have done,” Gaudin said. “I'm going to try to be here again next year, so I'm ready to rock and roll!”
The 2024 Summer Games was scheduled to continue Sunday with more running and walking events.