Guests enjoy the art at the Kadena Special Olympics Art Exhibit Oct. 15. More than 300 works of art created by special needs students from elementary and junior high schools in Okinawa City, Kadena Town, and Chatan were on display. (U.S. Air Force Photo/1st Lt. Joe Kreidel)

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A baby takes a break from viewing the art to mean mug the camera at the Kadena Special Olympics Art Exhibit Oct. 15. More than 300 works of art created by special needs students from elementary and junior high schools in Okinawa City, Kadena Town, and Chatan were on display. (U.S. Air Force Photo/1st Lt. Joe Kreidel)

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Kadena Special Olympics. In the background, a guest examines art works created by special needs students from elementary and junior high schools in Okinawa City, Kadena Town, and Chatan. (U.S. Air Force Photo/1st Lt. Joe Kreidel)

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Members of Team Kadena participate in the Kadena Special Olympics Jog-A-Thon at Kadena Air Base Oct. 15. The Jog-a-Thon was one of several fundraising events for the KSO, to be held Nov. 14. Several participants ran 40-plus miles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Lakisha A. Croley)

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Kadena Special Olympics just weeks away

Published Oct. 15, 2009
By 18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 10th Anniversary Kadena Special Olympics, to be held Nov. 14 at Kadena Air Base, are just weeks away.

Two Special Olympics events have already been completed. The KSO Bowling Tournament, held Sept. 19 at Mihama Seaside Bowling Center, saw the participation of 180 athletes. The KSO Art Exhibit, which closed Oct. 18 after a three-day run, included 334 works of art created by 488 special needs students from elementary and junior high schools in Okinawa City, Kadena Town, and Chatan.

According to Capt. Susan Vlahos, KSO volunteer coordinator, the KSO committee is still in need of several hundred volunteers for the main event Nov. 14.

"We are mostly looking for Huggers," said Capt. Vlahos. "Huggers really do more cheering and escorting of the athletes, rather than physical hugging. There are over 800 athletes registered and each athlete needs a Hugger. Right now have about 500 Huggers signed up."

Those interested in volunteering can find more information online at www.kadenaspecialolympics.com. Note that all SOFA-status personnel are eligible to volunteer.