Service Members on Guam Support Special Olympics Track and Field Event

By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

DEDEDO, Guam (NNS) -- The 36th Annual Special Olympics on Guam kicked off with a track and field event at Okkodo High School in Dededo March 17.

Service members from all branches and commands offered support for the Saturday morning event through coordinating and encouraging more than 300 athletes.

The event was supported by more than 1,300 volunteers, the great majority being service members. Also in attendance were guests including U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Doucette, U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) Commanding Officer Capt. Richard Wood, and U.S. Rep. Madeline Bordallo, who offered their congratulations to the athletes and appreciation for the volunteers.

"Being here and being involved with the Special Olympics is something that makes you a better person," Wood said during his opening remarks. "When you see the courageous athletes working hard to win, but more importantly, to win the right way, it really sets an example for all of us."

NBG Chief Career Counselor (SW/AW) John Jeffries is part of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Guam (SOG). Jeffries said he finds the Special Olympics especially important to foster good relationships between the military and local community.

"It gives our Sailors the opportunity to go out and meet and experience the culture that is here on Guam as well as the athletes and the families," he said.

U.S. Naval Base Guam's Harbor Patrol Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jami Tedrow echoed his remarks.

"It's a good thing - it builds that tie between the Navy, and what we're trying to do here, and our mission effectiveness and readiness and the local community kind of gets everybody on board with all the good things we're trying to do," he said. "It's a good proud feeling you get when you're a part of something that's so much bigger."

Throughout the event, service members could be found preparing event sites, guiding, and cheering on athletes. Service members were also instrumental in event set up, break down and logistic support.

SOG Board of Directors Chairman Marlon Molinos said through their continued commitment, the military community has become a second family to SOG.

"With the Special Olympics, we try to make sure that when [service members] leave, they leave inspired," Molinos said. "Being that we're 100 percent volunteer organization just goes to show you how much heart everybody has. Each year, [the] military has been the strongest support that our program has had since its inception. That hasn't stopped and I'm thankful for that."

36th Wing inspector general, Master Sgt. Kevin Schumacher said it was great to see the island of Guam pull together to make the event a successful one.

"The event was a great success," he said. "Though the weather provided some challenges early on, the volunteers, the families and especially the athletes were able to press forward with a day filled with exciting completion."

SOG is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. Established in 1976, the Special Olympics are open to participation for athletes ages eight and up with disabilities.

The track and field event is one of four that SOG will run for the year. Usually the largest each year, the track and field event will be followed by aquatics, bowling, and golf events.