Misawa volunteers help athletes go for the gold during Special Olympics

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  With current emphasis on physical and mental fitness permeating today's Air Force, it can be easy to take fitness standards for granted. Recently, a group of Misawa residents strove to bring a sense of accomplishment and hope to those who might find it difficult to run a single lap on a track, let alone a mile and a half.

On Aug. 28, about 80 special needs athletes and more than 300 volunteers converged at Hangar 949 for the annual Misawa Air Base Special Olympics. Each athlete was paired with two volunteers who cheered them on and helped them complete their events with the help of volunteer translators.

"For me," said Elaine Ortiz-Harrison, Armed Forces Network radio personality, "it's about everybody being the same. You look at them and you don't see a disability. Everyone is just going out and having a good time."

The athletes participated in numerous athletic games including bowling, basketball, soccer and running. Spectators cheered them on, including some other special guests, Sparky the Firedog and Smokey the Bear.

After the athletic events, the Olympians were treated to grilled hamburgers and hot dogs from Naval Air Facility Misawa, and performances by the Dragon-Eagle Taiko Team, varsity cheerleading team and the Misawa Islanders Dance and Entertainment Group.

"Our athletes were ages 6 to 70 years old," said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Wobse, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of fire prevention. "To put smiles on the faces of our Olympians was awesome and makes it worth it.

At the end of the event, Col. Van Wimmer, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, presented each athlete with a medal, congratulating them on their achievement and dedication.

"For the outpouring of support," said Colonel Wimmer, "this was truly Misawa's finest [moment] today and it was a real pleasure to be here and to see it."