Special Olympics Maine Games Ignite Joy at Auburn’s Lost Valley

The Special Olympics Maine Winter Games brought excitement and celebration to Lost Valley in Auburn on March 7, 2024. Families gathered to witness athletes with intellectual disabilities showcase their skills in alpine skiing, marking a significant event in the state’s winter sports calendar.

Scott Wentzell, participating with his son Scotty, expressed the emotional significance of their shared experience on the slopes. “It’s always so surreal, even 15 years later,” he stated. The pair has skied together since Scotty was a child, despite the challenges posed by Scotty’s Dubowitz syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects his speech and development. “He is the happiest 25-year-old in the world, especially when it comes to the Special Olympics Maine Winter Games,” Scott said, adding that the event truly lights up his son’s world.

The alpine skiing events at Lost Valley attracted approximately 75 families this year, continuing a tradition that has existed since 1975. According to Caroline Cole, vice president of operations for Special Olympics Maine, the enthusiasm surrounding the games underscores their importance in fostering community and inclusion. “This event lights him up,” Scott Wentzell said, referring to his son’s anticipation leading up to the competition.

Scotty Wentzell started skiing at the age of five through Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive sports opportunities. His parents, Scott and Lisa Wentzell, have been involved with the Special Olympics even before Scotty was born, enriching their family’s connection to the event. “Seeing our son take part in a passion that we have, it’s magical. There are no words to describe that feeling,” Lisa remarked.

Preparation for the Winter Games is an integral part of their routine. The family practices several weeks in advance, often hitting the slopes at Sunday River with Maine Adaptive. Scott highlighted the joy in watching Scotty thrive in the competitive environment. “You can see his face light up and he tries to pump the slider to make it go faster. There’s nothing like it,” he noted.

The atmosphere at Lost Valley was filled with camaraderie and support as athletes like Lucas Sirois of Portland received encouragement from fellow competitors. Sirois shared a fist bump with Ajay Beaudoin after completing his slalom race, a moment that embodied the spirit of unity and celebration inherent in the games.

Cole emphasized the importance of showcasing the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities to the wider community. “It’s really incredible to have an opportunity to show the general public that athletes and those with intellectual disabilities often have a lot more to offer than we would give them credit for,” she explained.

As the day progressed, the joy radiating from the participants and their families was palpable, reinforcing the mission of the Special Olympics to promote acceptance and inclusion. The Winter Games serve not only as a platform for competition but also as a celebration of perseverance, joy, and the power of community in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.