CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Under clear skies Monday, 500 athletes and hundreds of volunteers converged at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort for the 43rd annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games.

Athletes from around Maine competed in nordic and alpine skiing, skating and snowshoe events. The athletes train for the events and are treated to dances, fireworks, a banquet, movies and other social gatherings. The closing cermony is noon today at the base lodge.

–David Leaming