27th ANNUAL BEACH OLYMPICS

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine: There is always something happening at Old Orchard Beach in the summer. One of the biggest celebrations is Beach Olympics, now in its 27th year. This family fun event held August 20 - 22, 2010 is a fundraiser for Maine Special Olympics. Two days of fun in the sun events are all for a good cause. While Olympic competition sounds intense, the unusual zany antics that actually occur at these Beach Olympics are fun and funny for the whole family.

A few of the wacky contests include crab races, an ice cream eating contest, bubble gum blowing, and a dressing & undressing contest, all are welcome to join in and all the money raised benefits the Maine Special Olympics.

The weekend of special beachside events starts with a traditional Torch Lighting Ceremony on Friday by a Maine Special Olympian. The official lighting of the Olympic Torch is followed by a kick off Olympic celebration featuring storytellers, baton twirlers, and live bands.

Town Square, next to the famous Pier and Beach, is the center for all the weekend long activities. Throughout the event, popular local musicians entertain the crowds and special appearances by Slugger the Sea Dog and other local characters add to the festivities. Families and vacationers are welcome to sign up and participate in the many Beach Olympic events including sandcastle building competitions, beach volleyball tournaments, arcade competitions, mini-golf contests, water balloon races, and more. For those that prefer to just watch, there are daylong volleyball tournaments, viewing of the sandcastle creations, and various contest going on to for spectators to enjoy, plus live free entertainment to take in. Events are scheduled by the half-hour and hour on the beach, in the Square, and at Palace Playland. Prizes are awarded to participants, with medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in most of the events.

All are encouraged to participate in the Beach Olympics events. In order to sign up for the Beach Olympics, you need to simply purchase a Beach Olympics Lanyard. Lanyards can be purchased for only $3 in advance at the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce or at the event for $5.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of Special Olympics Maine, please contact the Old Orchard Beach Chamber at 207-934-2500. For additional information on Old Orchard Beach call or visit them online at www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com.