To the editor:

The 2010 Maine Special Olympic Games was hosted by Sugarloaf Mountain and the surrounding community on Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Despite the cold, challenging temperatures, volunteers turned out in droves. The Special Olympic Games create a community spirit and volunteerism that has no boundaries.

Sunday saw the arrival of 850+ athletes, coaches and families who are greeted to a community potluck supper (I believe the largest in the state), followed by a moonlight ice-skating and karaoke party at the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Center. On Monday and Tuesday the competition went on all day long in Alpine and Nordic skiing, snow shoeing and ice-skating. At noon on Monday the Official Opening Ceremonies commenced with the parade of athletes, and followed by acknowledgements and the lighting of the Olympic flame. Thanks to the CVPD for leading parade. In the evening there was an Olympic banquet followed immediately by a bonfire, torchlight parade, fireworks and the Tom Ball Band played at the Victory Dinner/Dance. Special events, which include horse drawn sleigh rides, and snow grooming machine and snowmobile rides.

All this would not happen without the many groups, organizations and individuals who volunteer. There is a large number of support staff on hand which include law enforcement, medical and hospitality volunteers as follows: Carrabassett Valley Academy (staff faculty and students), Carrabassett Valley Fire Department, Gifts of Love, Girl Scouts, Gifford’s Ice Cream, Grand Summit Hotel, Jay AM-Vets, Jay Lions Club, J.M.G., Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kingfield Elementary School, Madison Middle School, Maine Credit Union League, Maine Insurance Agents Association, Maine Paramedics, Maine Warden Service, Maranacook High School, Mountain Valley Property, Shipyard Brew Haus, the Stratton/Eustis Cooking Team, Sugarloaf Food Service, Sugarloaf Rescue, Sugarloaf Mountain Corp. (many departments), Camden National Bank crew, Telephone Pioneers, Unity College, NorthStar/Jordan Excavation, Gepetto’s crew, statewide police departments and countless individuals. There is always an occasion when a few individuals go above and beyond to handle a task or deed which may arise.

And a very special thank-you goes out to a group of Sugarloafers who opened their doors to hundreds of Olympians, coaches and families. Their generosity, through the donation of their condominiums and homes, truly exemplifies the Sugarloaf spirit.

Thank you all for your continued support!
Steve Pierce
Games Director
Carrabassett Valley