Photo By Cpl. Matheus Hernandez | An athlete and his "hugger" at the Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 5.... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - As the rain trickled down over the Risner Fitness and Sports Complex on Kadena Air Base Nov. 5, the sound of cheering and applause could be heard as athletes arrived in anticipation of the 12th Annual Kadena Special Olympics.
More than 6,000 participants and volunteers gathered in celebration of the event, where participating athletes and artists showed their courage and strength to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
“We are celebrating 12 years of continued success with the Kadena Special Olympics this year,” said Charles Steitz, public affairs officer with the U.S. Army’s 10th Support Group and a senior adviser for the Kadena Special Olympics. “It is a great environment where everyone is encouraged to come out and no one is turned away.”
The program runs as smoothly as it does because of the constant support of the numerous volunteers, said Steitz.
“[There were nearly 700] Marines and sailors from various units throughout the island who volunteered this year,” said Sgt. Andrew S. Trossen, a facilities engineer ground safety specialist with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler and the Kadena Special Olympics Marine Corps volunteer representative. “The Air Force, Army and other various organizations also had numerous volunteers come out.”
It is important to help each other out as a community, especially those with special needs, said Trossen.
It feels good to donate your time to volunteering and supporting the community, said Lance Cpl. Maxwell C. Bloomer, a financial management resource analyst with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Volunteers were used to help set up and break down for the event, to assist the registration process, and as “huggers” for the various events, including track and field, wheelchair softball throw, tennis, Frisbee toss and the standing long jump.
Huggers are volunteers assigned to an athlete to assist them in getting to and from events, as well as offering encouragement and support throughout the day.
When the program started 12 years ago, there were less than 100 athletes, said Steitz. This year there were close to 900 athletes, and every athlete this year had a hugger.
“The amount of support this year was incredible,” said Trossen. “Even in the inclement weather, people were still on the field cheering the athletes on. It’s events like this, and days like this, that create lifelong memories for the participants, as well as the volunteers.”
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2011 02:22 |
| Story ID: | 79974 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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