Boothbay Cornhole Classic (BCC) raised $60,000 for Special Olympics Maine (SOM) on Sunday, Sept. 24, after the tournament had been delayed for a week due to tropical storm Lee. Seventy-two teams from all over the state participated in the competition to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes and the communities that support them.

Val Giles gave opening remarks. “What I like most about Special Olympics is I get to make new friends – and let me remind you, I’m quite popular over here,” she laughed.

This was the third year of the cornhole tournament, but 32 years of giving to SOM. The previous incarnation was a golf tournament than ran for 30 years as the Boothbay Charities Classic. The money raised this year is up $10,000 from the amount raised last year. “I hope we keep this going for another 32 years so we can raise even more for Special Olympics,” said event co-chair Tony Krason.

Indeed, the cornhole tournament is growing each year, said Brenda Blackman, event co-chair. The event’s website says BCC has raised over $1 million for SOM since it began, but with Sunday’s totals Blackman said they are very close to the $2 million mark.

“This is the Boothbay event,” said Krason. This year, BCC had 154 local sponsors, many with custom-designed boards. The event also offered food, beverages and 10 live auction items ranging in value from $400 to $1,500, including several sports-themed experiences including ski trips, autographed memorabilia, and Celtics and Patriots tickets.

Cornhole Director Ken Williamson emceed as teams competed through a four-game round robin format. Corn-themed team names like Mazed & Confused, The Great Cornholio, and The Cobs kept onlookers amused.

Zack Roy and Rocky Sam won the competition’s grand prize, $1,000. Second place finishers Joel Small and George Cavo won $600. And third place finishers Michael Bolduc and William Smith won $400.

“The athletes are special – just like us they are talented and smart,” said Blackman. The event concluded with an emotional cluster of SOM and BCC board members gathering around the large $60,000 check. “It’s important to show our athletes from the community that we support them,” said Krason.

For over 50 years, SOM has strived to create continuing opportunities and hope for people with intellectual disabilities from ages 2-100 years old. Using sports as a foundation for change, they work to create a world of inclusion, where every person is accepted and welcome regardless of ability or disability.