Kadena preps for KSO '14

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Kadena Special Olympics is 65 days away and volunteers have begun preparations for the 15th annual games.

Scheduled for Nov. 8 this year, the annual event is part of the world's leading program of sports training and athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities. The local event will also include an art exhibit Oct. 16-19 for special needs artists.

"It's to promote the awareness of the people of special needs, the athletes and the artists," said Makiko Miyara, 18th Wing Public Affairs community relations specialist. "It also helps to foster friendship between locals and the military services."

Held on Kadena each year, KSO was established by the 18th Wing commander in 1999 as an avenue to build relations with the local communities and government representatives while providing a meaningful activity for the special needs children and adults.

This year volunteers have raised more than $22,000 during a Fill the Boot campaign Aug. 29-31 alongside $3,500 raised during a golf tournament earlier this year.

As the community relations representative for the KSO committee, Miyara has been working with off base government agencies and coordinating with sponsors for this year's event.

According to Miyara, her focus is on the next KSO event - the bowling day which will be held 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at T.T. Bowl Mihama.

Bowling registration for Department of Defense Dependent School students will be open until Sept. 12. Those wishing to participate should email applications to Staff Sgt. Angelica Ramirez, KSO bowling coordinator, at angelica.ramirez.2@us.af.mil.

"We are anticipating about 300 athletes this year so it will be our largest bowling event," Ramirez said.

The bowling event is open to the public and spectators with enthusiasm are more than welcome.

Last year's main event for Kadena Special Olympics had approximately 846 athletes, 500 artists, and 1,700 volunteers that participated in a day dedicated to competition and special recognition.

With more participants expected in each KSO event this year more volunteers will be needed. Those interested in volunteering may contact Ramirez at 634-9040 or Master Sgt. Robert Wilkins, the KSO volunteer coordinator, at 634-0490.