After enjoying three days at Sugarloaf for the annual Special Olympics Maine State winter games, three of the athletes, who are siblings, returned to a tragedy in Boothbay. Their home was destroyed by fire, losing everything, including pets. All family members who were at home at the time did make it out safely.

Gracie, Vincent and Valerie Giles are three Special Olympic Maine athletes from Boothbay. They arrived at Sugarloaf on Sunday looking forward to three fun-filled days of competition, snow mobile rides, fireworks, spending time with their team mates and of course the dance.

Boothbay coach Toby LeConte received a call Tuesday morning informing her of what had happened to the Giles home. Coach LeConte took the three children home to stay with her until the family had a place to stay. Special Olympics gave the children extra clothing to take with them.

The family is in need of clothes, gift cards, and financial donations etc. An immediate need is to replace three iPads for the children mentioned above. They are also in need of bunk beds in order to move in with a family member. Clothing, toiletries, etc. are being collected locally. A gofundme page has been set up for the family at https://www.gofundme.com/GilesFamilyFundraiser If you would like to speak with anyone locally you can contact Special Education teacher Toby LeConte at 207-671-0565 or family friend Andrea at 207-660-7978

Gracie, age 14, competed in level 4 Giant Slalom and earned two fifth place ribbons. She then went on to win a gold medal in the Giant Slalom. This was her first time competing at level four, the highest level of skiing at Special Olympics. Vincent is 15 and competed in Level 2 and came away with a bronze medal in the Super G, a fifth place ribbon in the Slalom and a gold medal in Giant Slalom.

Valerie, 16, also competed at level 4 alpine and won a fourth place ribbon for the Slalom, two fifth place ribbons for the Giant Slalom and Super G.

Gracie and Valerie have both been selected to compete at the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle this summer as part of Team Maine. Gracie will compete in swimming and Valerie will be playing soccer.

All three Giles children started competing in Special Olympics at the age of 5.