Vance hosts 2008 Area VI Special Olympics

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tony Wickman
  • Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Vance hosted more than 220 Special Olympians between the ages 8 and 82 for the 2008 Area VI Special Olympics today.

Athletes from Grant, Garfield and Kay counties participated in track, field and wheelchair athletics. Track athletics included wheelchair races, 25-meter walk and the 200-meter run. Field athletics included the shot put, softball throw, safety javelin and the long jump.
 
Col. Rod Gillis, 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, thanked everyone for their efforts in making the event a special day and offered encouragement to the athletes. 

"To the many volunteers who've devoted their time and effort to ensure today is a memorable event for all the Special Olympians and to the numerous sponsors who've provided food, money and equipment, and finally to the coaches for their continued patience and determination in helping the Olympians succeed, thank you. You are an inspiration to us all," the colonel said. "Whatever the outcome of today's competition, it is important that we remember that all who compete with courage, dignity and honor are winners." 

The opening ceremonies included a parade of athletes, the Silver Talon Honor Guard posting the colors and Enid mayor John Criner presenting the Area VI annual awards.

According to Holly Eckstein, 71st Comptroller Squadron budget analyst and volunteer coordinator, there were more than 200 base volunteers helping with the day's activities. The event was also a pleasure to work, she said.

"Helping support the Area VI Special Olympics was rewarding to me because I was inspired to see these athletes' pride in competing and hard work in completing their respective events. If you are ever looking for something to bring up your spirits, it would be engaging these special athletes," she said. "I was glad to be a part of the program and give thanks to the hard work by the many on- and off-base volunteers who helped make today a special day for the athletes and their families."

Team Vance and the local community came together once again to ensure a memorable day of competition, camaraderie and fun for these very special athletes. 

The Special Olympics is a year-round sports training and athletics program for children and adults with mental and or physical disabilities. The program was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and was in Oklahoma in 1969. Today, more than 8,300 athletes participate statewide in 15 official sports.