25th ANNUAL BEACH OLYMPICS

August 15 – 17, 2008: Beach Olympics will mark a quarter century this summer in Old Orchard Beach. This event benefits Maine Special Olympics. Two intense days of unusual and zany athletic events are the hallmark of this participation event. A few of the wacky contests include crab races, an ice cream eating contest, bubble gum blowing, and a dressing & undressing contest, all for a great cause!

The weekend long event kicks off on Friday evening with the Official Torch Lighting by a Maine Special Olympian and a pre-Olympic celebration featuring storytellers, baton twirlers, and live bands. All proceeds generated by this fundraiser go to the Special Olympics Maine.

All weekend long popular local musicians entertain the crowds that gather in the Town Square next to the famous Pier. Slugger the Sea Dog and other local characters are known to make appearances at this festive event. Other exciting happenings on this fun filled weekend at the beach include: sandcastle building competitions, beach volleyball tournaments, arcade competitions, mini-golf contests, a water balloon race, and more. Just want to watch? Enjoy the daylong volleyball action each day, tour the sandcastle creations, laugh at the funny antics at the beach events, or sit and enjoy all the free entertainment.

All are encouraged to participate with 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. Events are scheduled by the half-hour and hour on the beach, in the Square, and at Palace Playland. Individual winners of the various events receive 1st, 2nd, 3rd place medals.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of Special Olympics Maine or to support this great event and raise money for Special Olympians, please contact the Old Orchard Beach Chamber at 207-934-2500.