CARRABASSETT VALLEY — The 41st Annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games are coming to Sugarloaf Maine Ski Area. The winter sports extravaganza, which runs between Sunday, Jan. 31 and Tuesday, Feb. 2, is expected to attract over 500 athletes from 80-plus Maine communities.

The Olympics officially kick-off with the Opening Ceremonies beginning at noon on Monday. The Olympic competition begins immediately following the torch lighting. The Special Olympians will vie for the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals in winter sports including alpine and nordic skiing, snowhoeing and iceskating.

The three-day Olympic Festival wraps up Tuesday evening, starting at 7 p.m. with Closing Ceremonies. A Torch Light Parade and the most magnificent firework display of the season highlight this ceremony. The public is most heartily invited to come cheer on the Special Olympians and partake in what proves to be an unforgettable event.