The games were sponsored by the Dartmouth Club of the Upper Valley and a slew of local businesses. The athletes were supported by volunteers from the Upper Valley, including 280 Dartmouth students.
"There were a lot of students there helping out, [including] many members of Ski Patrol and a lot of community members," David Gusella '10 said. Gusella spent the day as a team ambassador, telling athletes where to go and making sure each team had everything they needed for competition.
From Gusella's experience, the Special Olympics is about the athletes and not the outcome of the competitions.
"It is not really about winning or losing, but it's about celebrating the accomplishments of the athletes and getting in the condition to compete," Gusella said.
Gusella's sentiment corresponds with the Special Olympic oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Gusella's day as a team ambassador proved to be a rewarding experience.
"My group was 17 to 22 year-olds and a 33 year-old, and their outlook on life was so admirable and refreshing. Here are people facing serious disabilities and they are facing life with a smile," Gusella said.
"I loved standing around before the events when everyone was just talking and enjoying each other's company. The athletes have a different perspective that is refreshing to see," Gusella added.
Kirsten Orloff '10 has been involved in the Special Olympics since September 2006. She spends Tuesday evenings helping to coach eight athletes in bowling at Upper Valley Lanes & Games in White River Junction, Vt.
"I enjoy interacting with the athletes," she said. "I like that we become friends with the athletes and establish meaningful relationships with them. I also enjoy helping them succeed in athletics and build relationships with each other."
Orloff had the responsibility of recruiting and organizing the Dartmouth volunteers for the winter games.
"A lot of people have dedicated their lives to organizing these events. It takes a huge year-round effort to organize Special Olympic events," Orloff said.
The mastermind behind Saturday's games was Andy Rand '07, Dartmouth's chair of the Special Olympics. During his three years as chairman, Rand has helped to triple the number of active Dartmouth volunteers involved in the Special Olympics.
Despite the efforts of so many volunteers, there was one unfortunate accident on Saturday.
"They had to cancel the 200 snowshoe competition because it was incredibly cold and someone went down. They had to call in the Ski Patrol, but they are going to redo the event at the state competition," Gusella said.
All athletes who participated in Saturday's winter regional games are eligible to compete in their respective states' Special Olympics, regardless of their individual finish in an event. A few athletes out of all gold medal winners at the state games are randomly selected to move on to the winter international games, which are held every four years.
The 30th annual New Hampshire State winter games will take place Sunday, March 4 through Wednesday, March 7 in Waterville Valley, N.H. The state games, in addition to snowshoeing and alpine and nordic skiing, will include floor hockey, figure skating and snowboarding competitions.