Photo By Staff Sgt. Damien Taylor | Col. Gregory P. Haynes, 512th Airlift Wing commander, presents winning athletes with...... read more read more
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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. – Over 100 volunteers came together the morning of Sept. 21 to help set up the tenth annual Special Olympics Delaware 2019 cycling tournament on base.
The event kicked off with a heartfelt speech from Col. Joel Safranek, 436th Airlift Wing commander, who regretted that his son couldn’t join him due to his disabilities.
He then said to the contestants, “Who are all participating today? Raise your hands. Who are all champions today, raise your hands. You are all champions here today, so all of you should have kept your hands raised.”
Following the commander’s speech, contestant Jordan Little sang our national anthem while members of the Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors.
“I was very excited to have Jordan back again this year to sing the national anthem,” said Dawne, Nickerson-Banez, 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs chief of community engagement. “He does such a great job. I watched him grow up while I was a Program Director for Special Olympics. To see him on stage, singing in front of his peers and the entire group – gives me goosebumps every time.”
The event ran from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured different races, including a 500m, a 1K, a 5K, a 10K, a 15K and a 20K. Several teams attended the event from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.
After each race, contestants were awarded medals by military members for placing in their respective races and divisions. After being awarded medals, contestants who desired photos with military members were given the opportunity to do so.
“It was a tremendous opportunity for us to cheer on and present awards to all of these great athletes,” said Col. Gregory P. Haynes, 512th Airlift Wing commander. “My greatest respect and admiration goes out to the athletes’ determination and grit, along with the herculean efforts of the volunteers, parents and the Special Olympics staff.”
Even though the races are over, Team Dover is eager to host the next cycling tournament and continue the 10-year tradition.
“The Airman volunteers look at this as a great opportunity, fun and heartwarming,” said Nickerson-Banez. “We look forward to doing it again next year!”
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2019 14:48 |
| Story ID: | 343424 |
| Location: | DOVER, DELAWARE, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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