Kadena Special Olympics hosts Bowling Tournament

Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, gives high fives to Yasukatsu Fukuhara after he scores a strike in the fifth frame during the 12th annual Kadena Special Olympics Bowling Tournament at Seaside Bowl Mihama in Chatan Town, Japan, Sept. 17. Fukuhara works at the Kuwanomi (mulberries) special needs workshop in Uruma City. (U.S. Army photo/Chip Steitz)

Kadena Special Olympics hosts Bowling Tournament

Athletes, families and friends wait for the official start of the Kadena Special Olympics Bowling tournament at Seaside Bowl Mihama in Chatan Town, Japan, Sept. 17. More than 240 athletes and 80 volunteers joined together in celebration of the successes and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. (U.S. Army photo/Chip Steitz)

Kadena Special Olympics hosts bowling tournament

Published Sept. 19, 2011
By Chip Steitz
Public Affairs Officer, 10th Support Group, Torri Station

OKINAWA, Japan -- Celebrating its 12th year, Kadena Special Olympics held the annual Kadena Special Olympics Bowling Tournament at Seaside Bowl Mihama in Chatan Town, Japan, Sept. 17.

Over 240 athletes joined with more than 80 volunteers from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army in celebration of the successes and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

"Special Olympics has helped develop a deeper understanding of the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities and create a close-knit community in Okinawa that continues to exist long after the Games have ended," explained Dr. Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics International chairman. "Special Olympics has become more than just a sports event on your island, and I hope that your shared experiences have given you an equal measure of hope and joy."