News>Thousands turn out for Kadena Special Olympics
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Takumu Ikemiya, a Kadena Special Olympics athlete, runs a torch around the circle of friendship on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. The KSO is a one-day sporting and entertainment event with more than 1,500 athletes special needs athletes and artists participating in a day of competition, music and special recognition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins)
Tatsuyuki Higa, a Kadena Special Olympics athlete, marches a torch down the field on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. KSO was established in 2000 by the 18th Wing commander as an avenue to build relations with neighboring communities, while providing a meaningful activity for the special needs children and adults. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins)
Ronald McDonald poses for a photo with volunteers during the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. The Kadena Special Olympics is a one-day sporting and entertainment event with more than 1,500 special-needs athletes and artists participating in a day of competition, music and special recognition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis)
Daiko-drummers perform at the Risner Fitness Center during Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Thousands of spectators and regional leaders from Japan and the United States came out to show support for more than 1,500 artists and athletes participating in the 13th Annual KSO Games and Art Show. The event is sponsored by the 18th Wing and the Friends of Kadena Special Olympics in partnership with the Okinawa Prefectural Government, Okinawa City, Kadena Town, Chatan Town and all U.S. military services on island. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis)
Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, greets special needs athletes and artists as they arrive at the Risner Fitness Center for the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. More than 5,000 people attended KSO festivities including nearly 1,000 American volunteers and 500 local national interpreters, along with senior officials from the Government of Japan, Okinawa Prefectural Government, local communities and the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, greets a special-needs athlete during the beginning of the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. More than 5,000 people attended KSO festivities including nearly 1,000 American volunteers and 500 local national interpreters, along with senior officials from the Government of Japan, Okinawa Prefectural Government, local communities and the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, receives a hug from a special-needs athlete during the beginning of the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Kadena Special Olympics was established in 2000 by the 18th Wing commander as an avenue to build relations with neighboring communities and local government representatives while providing a meaningful activity for the special needs children and adults.(U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
Haruko Shimano, an athlete participating in the the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics arrive as thousands of attendees cheer them on as part of the KSO opening ceremonies on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Kadena Special Olympics was established in 2000 by the 18th Wing commander as an avenue to build relations with neighboring communities and local government representatives while providing a meaningful activity for the special needs children and adults. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)
Shinichi Nakamura, an athlete participating in the the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics arrive as thousands of attendees cheer them on as part of the KSO opening ceremonies on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. More than 1,500 artists and athletes participated in a variety of events ranging from 200 and 300 meter races, tennis skills and floor hockey to soccer skills and ground golf during the 13th Annual KSO. This year marks the 13th Annual KSO, a sporting event dedicated to enriching the lives of special-needs individuals while strengthening U.S. - Okinawa relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)
A volunteer high-fives an athlete participating in the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics as they arrive during the KSO opening ceremonies on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. More than 1,500 artists and athletes participated in a variety of events ranging from 200 and 300 meter races, tennis skills and floor hockey to soccer skills and ground golf during the 13th Annual KSO. This year marks the 13th Annual KSO, a sporting event dedicated to enriching the lives of special-needs individuals while strengthening U.S. - Okinawa relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)
Daniell Tucker, a drummer with Kadena High School Band, plays during the opening ceremonies of the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Kadena Special Olympics began in 2000 with approximately 400 athletes and 600 volunteers as an 18th Wing community goodwill initiative to strengthen U.S. - Okinawa relationships. After 13 years, the event has tripled in size and participation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Laszlo Babocsi)
The Kadena High School Band plays during the opening ceremonies of the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. The Kadena Special Olympics is a one-day sporting and entertainment event with about 1,500 special needs athletes and artists participating in a day of competition, music and special recognition. Some of the events featured this year include: running events, wheelchair events, tennis, basketball, floor hockey demonstration, and many other track and field events. An art exhibit showcasing the artwork of 520 special-needs artists was open for viewing at the Risner Gym throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Laszlo Babocsi)
by Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins
18th Wing Public Affairs
11/19/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Thousands of volunteers, supporters and special-needs athletes and artists from all over Japan, came to Kadena's Risner Fitness Center, Nov. 17 to participate in or support the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics.
"This is an opportunity for the two communities to meet in joint service to the athletes and build a brother and sister hood like the ancient Okinawa proverb that says 'once we meet we are brothers and sisters forever'," said Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander.
The start of the events kicked off with an opening ceremony where the commander and other distinguished guests including a representative from the Okinawa Prefectural Government gave words of encouragement to the athletes.
One mother of a repeat athlete said even though this is her second time coming to KSO, her son, Keni Maeshiro, is excited to participate in the events and even wakes up earlier than normal to get ready.
With the opening ceremony complete, the athletes were able to explore the field with their 'hugger' and compete in their respected events.
'Huggers' are service members from around the base who volunteered to help and encourage special-needs athletes both young and old from Okinawa and the United States throughout the event.
Even though it began to rain, the Olympians kept high spirits and continued to compete in their various events such as, softball, hockey, basketball, and track and field.
Kadena Special Olympics began in 2000 with approximately 400 athletes and 600 volunteers as an 18th Wing community goodwill initiative to strengthen U.S. - Okinawa relationships. After 13 years, the event has more than tripled in size and participation and even caught the attention of Dave Lenox, vice president of leadership development and education for the Special Olympics.
"(The KSO) is a really unique model," said Lenox, who traveled to Okinawa to check out the KSO in person. "It's community building at its core, and that's something that the rest of the Special Olympics is just now beginning to make as a priority. That's why I'm here, because it's one of the models we really want to try and replicate around the world."
Kadena Special Olympics brings the Okinawan and military communities together, said Lenox. It helps to build both communities by working together for a common goal: the experience of the athletes.
While the commander presented medals to the athletes and visited events, he said this is not a Kadena thing; this is an Okinawa service thing, and everyone was charged to help.
"This was an opportunity for us to open the gates and send out an invitation of celebration to the local community," Molloy said.
