Photo By Capt. Maria Castle | Alexander Bendele trains for a running competition Aril 23, 2014 at Scott Air Force...... read more read more
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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - The Airman and Family Readiness Center and Exceptional Family Member Program have hosted the Special Olympics program at Scott for three years. The track and field event was held April 26 at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
The Special Olympic athletes practiced February through April each Wednesday at James Gym with Alice Howe, the coach, and Brenda Reed, the EFMP coordinator.
"People say that Disney World is the happiest place, but I believe that Special Olympics is the happiest place," Reed said. "All the athletes and their proud parents are happy to be here."
This event is the District 12 competition and athletes from the 38 different agencies throughout the district participate. Athletes were able to compete in two events, either run or walk, throwing a tennis ball or softball, and long jump.
"We are a dynamic group of athletes from Scott Air Force Base Exceptional Family Member Program families, and we collaborate with our local community in Mascoutah for adults with special needs," said Howe.
The program was created to give the disabled children on base an opportunity to make friends and be a part of a team.
"Last year was supposed to be our first year competing, but it was rainy and cold," Reed said. "Only one athlete had a chance to compete, this year the entire team competed."
Gold medal winners will advance to state competition in June at the Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal.
For more information on future events and volunteer opportunities, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 256-8668.
| Date Taken: | 04.30.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.01.2014 16:02 |
| Story ID: | 128453 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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