Final preparations underway for Paralympics team visit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  Preparations for the U.S. Paralympic track and field and swim teams are being finalized this week in anticipation of the teams' arrival here Sunday. The teams will train for a week at Kadena in preparation for the Paralympic Games scheduled to begin Sept. 6 in Beijing. 

The 18th Force Support Squadron who handled the brunt of the work for this visit has been focused on the athletes' living and dietary needs. In addition, the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight will be on-hand to transport the athletes and support staff to and from their training venues and other locations around the base. 

"The preparations have been hectic but everything seems to be coming together," said Capt. Rachel House, 18th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Flight commander and Paralympic project officer. "I'm sure things will pop up once the team arrives but I'm confident that Team Kadena will be able to handle any challenge that comes our way."
Athletes will train at the Ryukyu Middle School, Risner Fitness Center, and Perimeter Road at Kadena; the swimming pool at Camp Foster; and the Kubasaki High School track at Marine Corps Base Butler. 

Practices for both teams begin Monday from 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. and will run through the weekend. 

Military members and their families as well as Department of Defense civilians and Japanese employees with base access are encouraged to attend the practices, take photos and talk with athletes once the practices are finished. Parents are reminded to supervise their children closely so they won't interfere with the training. Morning training sessions for the swim team are closed to the public. 

More than 4,000 athletes from around the world will compete in 19 sporting events during the Paralympic Games. Among the athletes representing the United States are three Army veterans, one Marine Corps veteran and one active-duty Navy Sailor. For more information on the U.S. Paralympic team, including a detailed training schedule, visit the Kadena Air Base homepage at www.kadena.af.mil.