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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

An 18th Wing Honor Guard detail begins the opening ceremony of the Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, Joel Ehrendreich, U.S. Consul general, Naha, and Kiichiro Jahana, Director General of executive office of the Governor, greeted the crowd and shared their appreciation of all athletes, families and volunteers for making KSO a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Miyuu, a special-needs athlete, lights the Olympic torch during the Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Since the first time Kadena hosted the games in 2000, volunteers have highlighted inspiring acts of kindness, courage and team spirit from the athletes, family members and volunteers across the island. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Tomoki, a special-needs athlete, holds up his school sign for a parade formation during the Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The KSO breaks down social barriers and creates an environment of understanding and acceptance for the members of the combined community with physical and intellectual disabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Event participants release balloons into the air to signal the start of the Kadena Special Olympics main event Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The goal of KSO is to break down social barriers and create an environment of understanding and acceptance among U.S. and Japanese citizens living together on Okinawa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Brave Buddy volunteers wait for the arrival of athletes during the 2016 Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Thousands of volunteers from various military bases and Okinawan community organizations gathered with the united goal of fostering friendships and building everlasting memories with special needs athletes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Eiko, a Kadena Special Olympics athlete, receives greetings and cheers from event volunteers during the athlete arrival event Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Approximately 1,000 American volunteers paired up with more than 500 local interpreters to support KSO athletes who ranged from six to 95 years of age. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Special-needs athletes and family members walk through a cheering crowd during the Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Before events began, athletes paired with Brave Buddies who are U.S. service members who volunteered to help and encourage special-needs athletes as they participated in different events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Kadena Special Olympics athletes gather at the greeting area to pair up with Brave Buddies Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Brave Buddies, who are U.S. volunteers, supported and assisted each athlete’s needs throughout various sporting events and entertainment activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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Kadena Special Olympics opening ceremony welcomes athletes

Hinata, a special-needs athlete, receives a balloon from KSO volunteers during the Kadena Special Olympics athlete arrival Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. KSO was established in 1999 by the 18th Wing commander Gen. John R. Baker 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

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