The 2024 winter edition of the Maine Special Olympics kicked off today in Auburn, with more than 300 athletes from all over the state expecting to take part.

The event spans two days, Feb. 28 and 29, with Wednesday’s events taking place for the first time at the Norway Savings Bank Arena.

Wednesday’s events featured speed skating at the arena. On Thursday, the athletes will travel to lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Special Olympics caters to participants with intellectual disabilities. This year marks the 54th time Maine has participated. 

On Wednesday, at least 20 different athletes laced up their skates and donned their helmets for speed skating competitions.

Peter Mahoney, 25, of Winslow, said he skated years ago, but learning hockey and skating for competition was new for him.

“It’s fun to try something new, like playing hockey,” he said.

When asked if he could beat his competitors he shrugged and said, “Maybe, but I’m going to do my best.” 

In the bleachers, relatives and well-wishers were all about encouraging the athletes to have fun. When one competitor fell down several times, the crowd encouraged him to get up and cheered when he did.

“He’s such a sweetheart!” said Rebecca Brooks, of Topsham. 

Brooks said her autistic son, Dawson, 29, was also competing Wednesday. Her husband, Jeff, is one of the coaches.

“He gets to be on the ice, front and center, and I get to cheer,” she said. 

Brooks said her son participates to be with his fellow athletes.

“It’s that sense of accomplishment, and that accomplishment doesn’t come from a medal,” she said. “It comes from being part of a team.”

Brooks said, for her, the Special Olympics represent and celebrate what her son and others with disabilities can do. It’s important, she said, for people to see that.

“People (who) think ‘special needs,’ they don’t see this side of it,” she said. 

Maine Special Olympics spokesperson Caroline Cole said events strive to celebrate what the athletes can do. 

“Regardless of somebody’s disability, they can learn to ice skate and compete in speed skating, learn to downhill ski, learn to run, there’s really no limit to what somebody with a disability can do,” she said.

As important as that message is, Brooks said that for her son, it’s just a great time.

“This is his outlet,” she said. “This is his fun thing.”