CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Determined, motivated, inspirational — all words that describe athletes.

For participants at the 2012 Winter Special Olympics opening ceremony, held at Sugarloaf Ski Resort on Monday, those words held true.

More than 400 athletes paraded into the base lodge at midday surrounded by volunteers, law enforcement officers and supporters.

Red and blue scarfs, which were donated as part of the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project, kept the competitors warm while temperatures remained in the teens.

The scarfs, donated to the project from knitters across America, were meant to be a symbol of unity, support, compassion and empowerment.

Empowerment was a strong message being sent during Monday’s events, including the opening ceremony, where Tyler Lojas, 15, of Stratton carried the Special Olympics flame of hope into the ceremonies.

Lojas ran to the torch smiling and shouting with excitement along the way. He had difficulty lighting the flame but after being lifted up by one of the volunteer law enforcement officers, the torch was able to be lit.

Teams came from all over the state, including Auburn, Lisbon, Jay and Gray, to compete in events such as snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.

Rose Marie Wallace, 48, of Auburn competed in the 100 meter Nordic ski race in the afternoon. Wallace has been competing in the Special Olympics for 30 years.

“I love to compete,” she said. “I just like to go out and do the best I can.”

Wallace said she previously competed in the snowshoe event but this was her first time competing in Nordic skiing. After her race was complete Wallace was overjoyed that she finished without falling.

“I was really fast and I didn’t fall,” she said.

Three members from Telstar’s Nordic ski team in Bethel, joined by their teacher Steve Keane, volunteered to help athletes get into their skis.

Telstar has a long tradition of volunteering at the Winter Special Olympics.

Liam Gallagher, 14, James Piccirillo, 17, and Kasey Kellner, 18, all said they loved watching athletes who truly enjoy the sport and want to compete.

Priccirillo, a four-year volunteer at the Special Olympics, said the event was an extension of the positive nature of Nordic skiing.

“It’s all positive attitude in the sport,” he said. “Here you get people who may not be affiliated with Nordic skiing but they are just here to volunteer and support the athletes. It’s a great thing to see.”

Athletes cheered each other and gave high fives after crossing the finish line. Many could be heard saying they loved to compete and win but above all, they just wanted to do their best.

As participants left the ski resort they were left with a quote hung on a banner that read “Let me win. If I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.”

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