5K fundraiser keeps Special Olympics running

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Four hundred runners started their Saturday morning with a Special Olympics 5K run fundraiser at the Risner Fitness Complex Aug. 12. 

Though grueling for some participants, the run was virtually a walk in the park for the Kadena High School cross country team: one of the team members, Jacob Bishop, won the race with a time of 16:49. 

"It's fantastic to see such a large turnout from soldiers, Airmen, Marines, dependents, and the cross country team," said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander. "It's impressive to see them here having fun and supporting KSO." 

With participants ranging from middle school students to senior ranking officers, the event raised $2,768. The Special Olympics is Kadena's second largest community outreach program, costing $60,000 annually. So far, Team Kadena members have generously raised $25,000 for KSO.
 
"This is the best we have ever done," said Col. Lenny Richoux, 18th Wing vice commander. The colonel added that there will be more fundraising events in October. 

"To hold this KSO event, we need to continue to raise money and see the kind of support we did today," Brig. Gen. Wilsbach said. "This speaks volumes about the heart that Team Kadena has for others."