Orono was Awesome!!!

Summer Games were great! I think I can speak for just about everyone and say that we all had a fabulous time. The weather was perfect, the people were terrific, and the athletes were, as always, amazing.
I got to go up on Thursday night this year...although I got there very late because I drove up with the Harley in tow for our raffle. (Tickets are only $20 each and only 2500 have been printed. See Karl Frank or your local Torch Runner for a ticket.) The bike was to be picked up in Freeport but I was practicing for Opening Ceremonies and drove all the way to Brunswick before I realized it. Oops! Then I realized how much the bike cost and how much money it meant for our program and ended up going about 45 all the way to Orono. Very scary. By the way, be careful on the road from Newport to Orono. I saw at least 20 deer.
Anyway, I brought my tv up this year so that I could watch all of the coverage of our games. Aside from my very scary lion looking hairdo, I was very pleased with all of the stories about us. They covered everything from the torch run to the games to the volunteers and more.
Friday was busy with registration. So many of the coaches were so nicely organized with their binders and portfolios. They made our job quick and easy. Then of course there were the, "what, you never sent me that paper", folks. It all made for a very interesting day. The part I really loved was being able to say hi to so many coaches, volunteers and athletes who I hadn't seen since winter games.

I thought the parade was great this year. It had sooo many units! The athletes loved it. The flyover was so cool and very special. What an honor. The families/LETR reception was very nice and it was a great opportunity to really catch up with the moms and dads and officers who do so much to help our athletes. Those little frosted brownies are addicting!!!!

Saturday was just awesome. I always get to organize the 11 and under tent. Those little guys are so cute and excited about the games. Many of them were there for the very first time and were just full of enthusiasm. I hope I never get fired from that job because I love it. I did mange to sneak over to the 12-15 year old tent and couldn't believe how much some of my little ones had grown. I am so old.
I got to vist Olympic Town a few times and what fun that was. Everyone was having a ball and I took a bunch of pictures. I hope that we are able to offer that again next year. Also, very cool was the Healthy Athletes programs. One of my 8 year olds came back after lunch with a brand new pair of glasses. He was so proud of them and looked so handsome. No one knew that he had an eye condition that he probably had for years. He kept looking down at the ground and talking about how nice it was that he didn't stumble all the way to the tent. He could not wait to do his next race and came back with a gold medal which he credited to his new eyewear. What amazing people they all are to donate their time and skills to our athletes.
The dinner was good, the dance rocked and Sunday was very nice with some AMAZING mile run competitions. Wow! A few surprise finishes made it all very exciting.
So, a great time was had by all, but remember in Special Olympics there is no off season, so it's back to work, back to training, and back to getting ready for July's Day on the Links, the All Star Soccer tournaments, Family Day at Camp and of course World Games in China. The excitement never ends.