Special Olympic Winter Games at Sugarloaf Jan. 25-27

The 46th annual Special Olympics Winter Games get underway Sunday (Jan. 25) at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. About 500 athletes are expected to take part in the activities through to Tuesday (Jan. 27) morning’s closing ceremony.

Events include in Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoe, speed skating, and dual ski.

Residents of Carrabassett Valley and surrounding areas Sunday night will host the athletes with a special dinner by bringing in casseroles and desserts and serving more than 800. There will also be outdoor skating, a sing-a-long and karaoke.

The opening ceremonies, featuring a parade of athletes, will begin at noon Monday. Later that night there will be a torchlight parade, fireworks and victory dance.

Competitions continue through Tuesday morning and wrap up with their closing ceremonies at noon Tuesday.