Guam Sailors Donate Time, Caring to Special Olympics

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Corwin Colbert, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas Public Affairs

HAGATNA, Guam (NNS) -- Naval Base Guam (NBG) Sailors volunteered at the Special Olympics Guam Aquatics Competition at the Hagatna swimming pool June 4.

According to Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) John Jeffries, NBG Special Olympics volunteer coordinator, Sailors also dedicated time spanning more than two months to help the athletes prepare for the event.

"We had ten weeks of practices where our military volunteers come out and helped with practices to get them prepared for this event," he said. "Today, we got here early – setting up and making sure everything runs smoothly."

Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Brian Morgan, NBG Security, said he enjoyed volunteering and doing his part to make the event a success.

"I am trying to help out much as possible so the kids can concentrate on competing," he said.

As part of the opening ceremony, NBG Commanding Officer Capt. Richard Wood, led the Special Olympics Athlete Oath. Wood said he was honored to be invited and was proud of the military efforts.

Throughout the day, 37 athletes competed for gold medals in various events including the 50-yard freestyle, 50-yard aquajog, and 50-yard breast stroke.

"It is a real honor to come out here and be the guest speaker and say the oath here today," Wood said. "Ever since I've been here, I have been really impressed with the military's and community's commitment to working together. It's one of many ways that the community and the military work together in making Guam a better place."

Mark Wessling, a Special Olympics Guam board member, agreed with Wood and complimented the military on their continued support.

"The military has helped not only with this event but every event we run," Wessling said. "They provide many volunteers, logistic support as well as command support. The military has been a real vibrant part of the local Special Olympics."

The next Special Olympics Guam competition will be the bowling event, which is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 22. Those interested in volunteering or coaching athletes should contact the Special Olympics Guam committee before the coaches' orientation Aug. 6. Practices for the bowling event will begin Aug. 13. Service members who want to volunteer can contact Jeffries at 339-2287.