Special Olympics Athlete Oath
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
The Cumberland County Special Olympics held its annual Spring Games last Friday at Windham High School. Nearly 550 competitors participated from programs and schools throughout the county. The event allows athletes to compete in various track and field events such as the 50-meter run, 100-meter run, long jump and the softball throw.
The competitors are divided into four separate age groups and there is a wheel chair division as well. Some of the athletes use the event to prepare for the State Games which are scheduled to take place June 7-10 at the University of Maine at Orono.
These regional games always help accomplish the Special Olympics Mission which states:
“Our mission 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.”
Windham’s high school track was filled with smiling competitors of all ages who were encouraged in their attempts and and who were pleased with their own efforts.
For more information about Maine Special Olympics please visit www.specialolympicsmaine.org
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