Kadena hosts KSO golf tournament

Published April 29, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- More than 160 local nationals came on base to participate in a golf tournament fundraiser in support of the Kadena Special Olympics April 29.

The annual golf tournament has been hosted for 16 years and is the first event of the year held in connection with KSO. The base extended an open invitation to the island's local residents to participate in a round of golf at the Banyan Tree golf course. All funds raised during the event will help cover the various costs associated with transporting special needs athletes and their families as well as hosting the games themselves.

Master Sgt. Fernando Ruiz, KSO golf tournament volunteer coordinator, said the event serves a dual purpose; allowing the base population to strengthen its relationship with the local community while raising awareness for KSO in November.

"The games help build a bridge between the military and local populations," said Makiko Miyara, KSO liaison between the Okinawa Prefectural Government and the local and military populations. "A lot of the athletes feel like they are different, but the positivity they feel during KSO allows them to be themselves."

Miyara said the military population's positive, supportive attitude toward special needs athletes leaves a positive impression not only on the athletes, but on the athletes' friends and families as well, facilitating an emotional connection between the two communities.

In addition to the participants, thirteen American volunteers from around the base were on hand during the tournament to give them the red carpet treatment. The volunteers helped carry golf bags, hand out prizes to participants who were able to make their ball land on the green in one stroke and otherwise make sure their needs were met.
Ruiz said the golf tournament was a smash success due to the enthusiasm of everyone involved.

"This was the easiest event I've ever helped put together," Ruiz said. "It was effortless because everyone's heart was in it. When the athletes come on base each November they electrify Kadena and bring joy to everyone involved. I would say KSO is Kadena's most important mission."

This year's games are scheduled to take place Nov. 7 at the Risner Sports Complex.

For more information, visit specialolympicskadena.com.