Special Olympics

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Nineteen year old Manabu Furuyasaki from the Mominoke-Gakuen school sends the ball across the court during the 2007 Special Olympics on here Sept. 22. The Special Olympics are held annually to promote relations between the American forces serving in Japan and the surrounding community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane)

Special Olympics

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --Fifteen year old Ryo Sasaki from the Mominoke-Gakuen school enjoys the bowling portion of the 2007 Special Olympics here Sept. 22. The Special Olympics are held annually to promote relations between the American forces serving in Japan and the surrounding community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane)

Special Olympics

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --Airmen 1st Class Tara Smith and Staff Sgt Jesse Daughtry, from the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, run alongside 16 year old Hiroki Kanbe from the Mominoke-Gakuen school during the 2007 Special Olympics here Sept. 22. The Special Olympics are held annually to promote relations between the American forces serving in Japan and the surrounding community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane)

Special Olympics

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --Thirteen year old Yuuta Funahasi from the Mominoke-Gakuen school gives his all during the bowling portion 2007 Special Olympics here Sept. 22. The Special Olympics are held annually to promote relations between the American forces serving in Japan and the surrounding community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane)

Misawa hosts 22nd annual Special Olympics

Published Sept. 26, 2007
By Master Sgt. Allison Day
35th Fighter Wing public affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- "Let the games begin," declared Col. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, 35th Fighter Wing commander after the singing of the Japanese and U.S. National Anthems by the Edgren High School choir.

The events were held the morning of Sept. 22 at Hangar 949 after the lighting of the signature Olympic torch for the 22nd Misawa Special Olympics.

More than 30 students from Mominoki Gakuen School participated during these Olympic Games here. Sporting events included 50 and 75 meter dash, Frisbee toss, football toss, bowling basketball and soccer kick. Many volunteers were available to help the children as the games were played.

Airman 1st Class Ameena Ali, 35th Dental Squadron dental assistant, volunteered for Special Olympics for the first time last year.

"I had never done anything like it, so I felt it was an opportunity to interact with some special needs children and a chance to meet new people," said Airman Ali. "Since I had such a good time last year, I decided to volunteer again and give a little part of myself. It's worth it to help out, especially when you see the children and how much fun they're having."

Tina Heggins was also another volunteer at the Olympics.

"I'm a people person and I like working with children," said the senior master sergeant from the 301st Intelligence Squadron.

Her crew was responsible for setting up and running all the games the children played.

"It was great to encourage the children as they played the games," said Sergeant Heggins. "I volunteer anytime I get the opportunity to work with children."

Colonel O'Shaughnessy personally thanked everyone who worked so hard to coordinate Misawa's 2007 Special Olympics.

"Thanks to the athletes, the administration and staff of Mominoki-Gakuen for accepting the invitation to participate in this event," said Colonel O'Shaughnessy. "Thanks to the many volunteers, committee members, sponsors, coaches, and everyone who came out to celebrate with this fine group of athletes and to make this event a success. Until next year, I now declare these games officially closed."