JBPHH, MCBH Hosts 2019 Special Olympics

Photo By Justin Pacheco | 191123-N-NU281-1125 PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 23, 2019) Special Olympics athletes bowl in a tournament at Hickam Bowling Center during the Special Olympics Hawaii 2019 Holiday Classic. The Holiday Classic is held in November at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. This event includes a multi-division two-day basketball tournament and individual skills competition; singles and team bowling competitions, and traditional and doubles bocce tournaments for over 800 athletes. The Holiday Classic marks the end of the Fall season. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin R. Pacheco)  

PEARL HARBOR, HI, UNITED STATES

11.23.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Pacheco      

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay hosted more than 800 Special Olympics athletes November 23 and 24 for the annual 2019 Hawaii Holiday Classic.

Special Olympics is a global organization in which athletes with intellectual disabilities work with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.

The event included a two-day basketball tournament, individual skills competition, single and team bowling competitions, and traditional doubles bocce tournaments for the athletes. The Holiday Classic marks the end of the Fall season.

Capt. Jeff Bernard, commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) delivered welcoming remarks during the opening ceremonies.

“To all the athletes participating this weekend, we are very proud of you and your competitive spirit, and your teamwork. Mahalo, nui loa and welcome aboard!” said Bernard. “On behalf of every member of the military and civilian team here, please accept our warm welcome to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.”

More than 1,000 volunteers – comprised of friends, family, Sailors, Airmen and Marines – were on hand to help ensure the event ran smoothly.

Mike Betz also spoke on behalf of the Special Olympics Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the board, it’s an honor to be here,” said Betz. “And it’s an honor to be able to wish you all good luck.”

Special Olympics Hawaii has grown to serve more than 4,700 athletes and unified partners on every island in Hawaii. With the support of more than 11,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers ten Olympic-type sports and over 50 games and competitions throughout the year.

• Date Taken: 11.23.2019
• Date Posted: 12.02.2019 19:08
• Story ID: 354066
• Location: PEARL HARBOR, HI, US