Games bring athletes, volunteer army together
By Jon Gulliver
PRESQUE ISLE — Under a brilliant blue sky a record number of athletes took to the track at the Johnson Athletic Complex at the Presque Isle Middle School for the 36th annual Special Olympics Spring Games last month.
Photos courtesy Casey Bonville and Jon Gulliver
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Event chair Steve Richard said more than 300 athletes took part in the events, which included the softball throw, long jump and sprint competitions.
For many the anticipation of the Spring Games is great according to Richard.
“It means an awful lot not only to the athletes but to the families and all of the volunteers,” Richard said. “It is a chance to get together to show the athletic ability of the Special Olympians that live in Aroostook County.”
Not only were there a record number of athletes but an army of volunteers as well.
“We have more than 150 National Honor Society students helping out and dozens of volunteers from the community, which is absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“There is a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff going on to stage an event like this,” Richard added. “You have to put 300 athletes into a database, and other logistics and it is all done by volunteers. There is no paid staff in Special Olympics in Aroostook County.”
Patti Lunn of Mars Hill has been volunteering at the softball throw for about 13 years and there is a simple reason she comes back every spring.
“Because of the smile on all the athletes’ faces,” she said. “It is all worth it. Every minute of it.”
Michelle Blackstone is a member of the Special Olympics Area Management Team. For her the day is very special.
“It’s a big day for all the athletes and all the volunteers,” she said. “A lot of athletes are really excited to participate, get outside and see friends they may not have seen in a while.”
The mission of Special Olympics Maine and Special Olympics Aroostook County is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
