Team Vance hosts Special Olympics Published April 4, 2014 By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- More than 170 special Olympians participated in the Cherokee Strip Area 6 Special Olympics held here March 28. Nearly 200 volunteers from Vance, the Enid High School JROTC and the Oklahoma Bible Academy came together to help, feed and cheer on the athletes. The Olympians participated in 16 different track and field events, including: a soft-ball throw, shot put, the 50 and 100-meter dash, and various wheelchair-based events. Opening ceremonies kicked off at 9 a.m. with guest speaker Steve Chard, an Enid High School football player, followed by the Enid High jazz band. Tents, tables and chairs, provided by base civil engineers, were set up around the base track to accommodate the Olympians and their families. The 71st Security Forces Squadron provided Airmen to ensure the safety of the athletes and their guests.