 |
| News > Base hosts 31st annual Joan Mann Special Sports Day |
|
Base hosts 31st annual Joan Mann Special Sports Day
Posted 10/5/2012 Updated 10/5/2012
Email story
Print story
by Airman 1st Class Kelsey Waters
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
10/5/2012 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The 31st annual Joan Mann Special Sports Day is scheduled for Oct. 13, 2012, here.
The sports day tradition began over 30 years ago when Joan Mann, a Ministry of Defence employee who worked in the public affairs office on RAF Mildenhall, sought a way to bring the community together and work with special-needs citizens.
This year more than 700 volunteers from RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell will contribute to this event.
The sports day is designed for special-needs adults and children of England and this year, RAF Mildenhall is pleased to announce that Jonathan Adams, one of the British Paralympians from this year's games, is scheduled to attend and take part in the medal presentation ceremony.
Traditionally, the event begins with the Parade of Champions, as the participants enter the arena. This year's events will include a basketball shoot-out, obstacle course, bowling, ring toss and a 50 yard wheelchair dash.
The event concludes with a medal ceremony. During this time, members of the base leadership present winners with awards and everyone a medal for participating.
"The sports day is important for us to work with our off-base community, because this nation is hosting us. It's good for us to be able to work closely with the local community while being able to have fun at the same time," said Tech. Sgt. Edwin Bispat, 100th Communications Squadron section chief and volunteer coordinator, with during this year's events.
The sports day is one of the bigger community relations events held by RAF Mildenhall and is a major volunteer opportunity, said Bispat.
"So far we have at least 224 special-needs people scheduled to come out to the event and 700 volunteers," said Bispat. "This is a huge event for the base and it allows everyone who participates to be active in something bigger than ourselves."
The Joan Mann Special Sports Day has been a major volunteer event on base for the past 31 years.
"It's my first time volunteering for this event and I am so excited to see how it goes," said Bispat. "I am so pleased with the amount of support this event has."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
