Carrying on the torch

Mio Yabiku, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, competes in the standing long jump event during the Kadena Special Olymics Nov. 5, 2016 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Thousands of spectators from Japan and the U.S. came out to support approximately 1300 athletes and artists participating in the 17th annual KSO games and art show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

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Carrying on the torch

Kadena Special Olympians forma a circle-of-friendship during the closing ceremony of the Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Athletes are paired together with a “buddy” during events. Buddies are U.S. service members who volunteered to help and encourage special-needs athletes as they compete and participate in different events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

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Carrying on the torch

Satoru Tokuzato, Kadena Special Olympics athlete receives a silver medal in the ground golf event during the Kadena Special Olymics Nov. 5, 2016 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. This year, the Kadena Special Olympics celebrates 17 years of partnership with Okinawan athletes and artists who help unite service members with the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

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Carrying on the torch

Kadena Special Olympians receive accolades after medaling in the Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 5, 2016 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Kadena Special Olympics is the largest community outreach event of the year in the Pacific Theater partnering nearly 1,000 volunteers with almost 900 special needs athletes competing in more than 50 events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

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Carrying on the torch

Sakura Sakihara, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, competes in the softball throw event during the Kadena Special Olymics Nov. 5, 2016 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The KSO is the biggest overseas military Special Olympics event in the world and is a one-day sporting and outreach event that showcases the talents of nearly 1,300 local special needs athletes and artists. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

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Carrying on the torch

Eisa dancers perform during the closing ceremony of the Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The KSO began in 2000 with approximately 400 athletes and 600 volunteers as an 18th Wing community goodwill initiative to strengthen U.S. - Okinawa relationships. After 17 years, the event has more than doubled in size and participation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

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Carrying on the torch

Hiroyuki Urasaki, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, carries the torch symbolizing the end of this year’s Kadena Special Olymics Nov. 5, 2016 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. This year marks the 17th anniversary of KSO, a sporting event dedicated to enriching the lives of American and Okinawan special needs individuals on the island. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

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Carrying on the torch

Published Nov. 5, 2016
By Senior Airman Omari Bernard
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Mio Yabiku, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, competes in the standing long jump event during the Kadena Special Olymics Nov. 5, 2016 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Thousands of spectators from Japan and the U.S. came out to support approximately 1300 athletes and artists participating in the 17th annual KSO games and art show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)