Langley hosts Special Olympics

by Airman 1st Class Austin Harvill
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

2/19/2013 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.  -- One second left in the game, he lined up the shot and launched the ball through the air. The buzzer sounded, followed by the swish of success.

The crowd cheered wildly, even though the shot didn't win the game for his team, while his opponents gave him high-fives and congratulated him in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Moments like these were plentiful Feb. 9 at Langley Air Force Base, Va., where the 2013 Area 22 Special Olympics were held.

"All of the kids and adults were so happy just to compete," said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Covington, 633rd Force Support Squadron fitness assessment cell noncommissioned officer in charge. "You appreciate their effort."

According to their official website, the Special Olympics is an organization dedicated to giving special-needs individuals an opportunity to compete in a wide-range of sporting events. In support of Special Olympics, Langley hosted basketball games for the local chapter. Special-needs children and adults came together with their caretakers and coaches to compete in a day-long tournament.

"When the athletes get on the court, sometimes you forget they even have a disability," Covington said. "They are just like us--people who want to compete and have a good time."

For Covington, this event was not her first experience working with Special Olympics

"I worked with Special Olympics back in high school and at my last base," Covington said. "Their spirit of competition and teamwork is still inspiring to me."

She went on to say many athletes looked up to her and were grateful for Team Langley's ability to host the event.

"They were all very nice, both players and staff," Covington said. "Even though they planned most of the tournament and logistics, you would think we did it all by how they treated us."

The feeling of thanks and generosity was mutual for Master Sgt. Michael Daugherty, a Langley volunteer at the Special Olympics.

"I enjoy working with others; plus I like competitive sporting events," said Daugherty. "So if I also have the opportunity to help someone, why not?"

Daugherty explained how hard it can be when someone needs help, and also how good it feels to be that help.

"When I volunteer or help someone, the feeling I get is hard to explain," Daugherty said. "If you need help, it is such a relief to receive it, so to be that help is really a win-win; they feel good and so do I."

Even though the Special Olympics are not currently scheduled to return to Langley next year, Langley Airmen believe the memory of the willingness to compete and their spirit of sportsmanship from the athletes will last a lifetime.