NORTH BERWICK — Amanda Larivee has been in training, getting ready for the York County Special Olympics, held Thursday on the grounds of Noble High School. She planned to take part in the long jump, the softball throw, and the walking events, she said

“I practice with a long rope for the jump,” she explained before the opening ceremonies that preceded the games. To build her strength for the walk, Larivee paced around a park on the days when the weather was fine, and when rain or snow was in the offing, used the stationary bicycles at the Sanford Springvale YMCA.

Larivee was one of an estimated 400 Special Olympians who took part in the county games.

Matthew Rogers is an old hand at the Special Olympics and said he was looking forward to the softball throw.

And Shane Saucier is something of a veteran, participating since 2006, when he was in middle school. He participates in the standing long jump, the 200 meter run and the softball throw.

“I train seven days a week,” he said.

Jonathan and Susan Lewis were on hand to cheer on their son Josh, 15. He’s been competing since Kindergarten, his mother said.

“We’re here in the cold, the heat and the rain,” supporting their son and Special Olympics, Susan Lewis said.

Josh regularly takes part in the running long jump. This year was his first for the shot put event.

As the athletes competed, one by one, each gave it their all. 

The York County Special Olympics is marking its first year at the Noble High School venue after 25 years at Shapleigh Middle School n Kittery.

For many of the athletes it is the precursor to the state Special Olympics Summer Games, scheduled for June 8-10 at the University of Maine at Orono, said Special Olympics Maine Program Director Mark Capano. About 1,500 athletes will compete in the summer games, he said.

Before the events — the shot put, the long jump, the running long jump and a host of others — came the opening ceremony.

The North Berwick Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors, and the Noble High School Choir sang the National Anthem. 

Special Olympian Zachary James, accompanied by North Berwick Police Officer Robert Welch, recited the Special Olympics athletes oath.

MSAD 60 Superintendent of Schools Steve Connolly welcomed the athletes and their supporters.

“What a great day to honor and celebrate each other’s uniqueness, he said, “Good luck to the athletes — and go for the gold.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.