Leap Frogs Jump Start State Games of America

By Seaman Jumar T. Balacy, U.S. Navy Parachute Team Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Members assigned to the U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, performed during the opening ceremony of the 2011 State Games of America at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego Aug. 5.

The jump helped kick off the four-day sporting event, which included more than 10,000 athletes from 47 states who competed in 26 athletic disciplines.

Approximately 20,000 spectators watched the Leap Frogs jump and chanted "USA" as the team came in to land. Several jumpers trailed colored smoke across the sky as they performed canopy formations including a down plane -- a maneuver in which two jumpers lock their legs together and turn their canopies to face the ground before separating to land. Niko Bluffin, a 15-year-old musician from San Diego, played the national anthem on guitar as Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Justin Gauny flew a large American flag above the cheering crowd.

"The State Games is a way for [athletes] to feel what it's like to be an Olympic athlete. When you're an Olympic athlete, there's an element of patriotism," said Barclay Kruse, president of the National Congress of State Games -- the governing body for the Games. "You're representing your country and so having the Navy Seals jump team tonight is an awesome thing for the kids to see."

The Leap Frogs presented Kruse with a signed photograph of the team commemorating the event after the performance.

"It's a privilege to be part of such a special event recognizing young athletes for their hard-earned victories from each of their respective states," said Chief Warrant Officer (SEAL) Keith Pritchett, Leap Frogs officer-in-charge. "The athletes are excited to be here and I think the Navy Parachute Team was able to add to that excitement. We're proud of all of them. They're all winners and we wish them the best of luck during the next few days of competition."

The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, is composed of parachute experts assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, Calif., including Navy Seals, special warfare combatant-craft crewmen, and support personnel. The team performs at various events across the United States as part of America's Navy -- a global force for good -- in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy Recruiting.