Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Competitors in the Kadena Special Olympics receive a warm welcome as they arrive at...... read more read more
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By Pfc. David N. Hersey
Okinawa Marine staff
KADEN AIR BASE, Japan -The crowd watches excitedly as athletes race past them with the finish line barely visible through the pouring rain. A cheer erupts as the athletes victoriously cross the finish line.
This scene was common to those at Risner Fitness Center, Kadena Air Base, during the 13th Annual Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 17.
Hundreds gathered to volunteer for the event and show support for the participating athletes, who showed the same courage and strength they have used throughout their lives, to achieve victory in events during the Kadena Special Olympics.
“This event really gives the athletes something to be proud of,” said Chip Steitz, the senior advisor for the Kadena Special Olympics. “We had a great turnout this year and we were able to organize a fun and exciting day for the athletes and their families.”
Athletes competed in track and field events, a wheelchair softball throw, tennis skills, a flying disc toss, the standing long jump, floor hockey, basketball, and a wheelchair beanbag toss during the Kadena Special Olympics.
In order for the Kadena Special Olympics to take place, Steitz and other organizers for the event raised $60,000 through various fundraisers and with the help of several corporate sponsors.
“It amazes me how much people care and are willing to contribute to make this all possible,” Steitz said.
Volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day, helping to set up and break down each event, assisting in the registration process, and working as huggers during the various events.
“The athletes are really positive and strong,” said Misa Miyagi, a volunteer at the Kadena Special Olympics and student at Shogakuin International Business Academy. “I like to help them in any way I can.”
Huggers are volunteers assigned to an athlete to assist them while traveling between events. Huggers also offered positive encouragement and support throughout the day.
“As huggers, we were able to make the athletes happy and ensure they had a good time,” said Cpl. Gianmarco A. Decastro, a hugger at the Kadena Special Olympics and a refrigeration and air conditioning technician with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
“The most important thing was that the athletes had fun competing in the events.”
Each volunteer had a smile on their face while they assisted the athletes, as they knew just how important the event was to the athletes and their families.
“I really feel happy,” Miyagi said “We can see their smiles and that is what makes me want to help them.”
Steitz started the Kadena Special Olympics 13 years ago when he came to the island of Okinawa.
“I was involved in the program back in the states, so I brought my experiences from there and applied them here,” said Steitz.
The Kadena Special Olympics provides an opportunity for people to gather and support the athletes, who overcome obstacles in their daily lives. The event has also become a place where military members and local citizens can work together for a common cause.
“I wanted to encourage a partnership between the American and Japanese communities, and this seemed like a good way to do it,” said Steitz. “This year’s event went extremely well despite the rough weather. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and just want to thank everyone who helped out.”
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2012 01:34 |
| Story ID: | 98124 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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