Service Members Support Special Olympics on Guam

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

HAGATNA, Guam (NNS) -- Service members volunteered their time to coach Special Olympics Guam athletes at the Hagatna swimming pool on Guam May 15.

Sailors, Airmen and Marines are helping to prepare athletes for the annual Special Olympics swimming competition scheduled for June 5.

"These athletes are just really cool people. They're fun to work with," said Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Carle Spragle, of U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas' Self Help Department. "They work so hard, and that motivates you to work hard right alongside them because you want to see them succeed."

Spragle and fellow service members spent almost two hours at the pool, stretching out with the athletes, working on swimming techniques and swimming to improve overall coordination and endurance.

Carole Piercy, athlete coordinator for Special Olympics Guam, said the volunteers promote good sportsmanship and camaraderie amongst the athletes and help to improve the athletes' abilities. Piercy added that the athletes enjoy interacting with the service members.

"There are military personnel who have been with the athletes through various events, from bowling to track and field and with swimming," said Piercy. "They create relationships with the athletes, and that provides the athletes with a sense of constancy and a sense that they are cared for."

While only being on Guam for six months, I have already participated in several volunteer projects, enjoy working with the athletes and look forward to coaching more often, said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Jill Johnston, also of NAVFAC Marianas' Self Help Department.

"I think it's important for us to reach out to the entire community," said Johnston. "Our Special Olympics athletes are a part of our island community, and I'm glad that I'm able to help and do my part."

NAVFAC Sailors have assisted with tutoring and mentoring students at local public schools and partnered with community volunteers for islandwide cleanup projects, among other activities.

I also enjoy working with Special Olympics athletes, said 1st Lt. Nathan Waters, a Marine with Defense Information System Agency Pacific.

"All of us have an opportunity to serve our communities and this is one of the best ways," said Waters. "You see the smiles on their faces knowing that they have this opportunity to compete with each other and to have fun with each other and with us, their coaches."

Building that bond with the athletes and their families "makes it worthwhile," said Waters.

"Whether it's swimming or track and field, whatever event it is, it puts a joy in your heart to know you helped them reach their goals," said Waters. "As a military member, it's good to not only serve your country on the battlefield, but it's also good to serve your country outside the battlefield. We're showing that we're serving our community in more than one way."

Master Sgt. Dale Moring, of 36th Maintenance Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base and a volunteer swim coach, agreed that it's important for service members to get involved in local events and programs.

"It makes you feel good," said Moring.

Special Olympics Guam established its programs on the island in 1976 to provide sports opportunities for people with disabilities. The nonprofit group hosts annual events, such as bowling, swimming and track and field competitions, to boost its athletes' confidence, encourage friendship-building and give its participants a positive outlet for learning and recreation.