Joan Mann Special Sports Day celebrates 30 year milestone

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell joined together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Joan Mann Special Sports day in grand fashion here Sept. 24, 2011.

As one of the base's more popular community relations events, the JMSSD committee enlisted the help of more than 800 volunteers from across the bases.

More than 200 athletes from around the region showed up with their families to participate in the event.

The event kicked off with a torch relay and a parade of athletes before the athletes competed in various events, including an obstacle course, basketball shoot out, bowling and a 100-yard dash.

"I'm having a lot of fun," said Joanne Blackwell, a returning athlete. "The best part of my day was meeting my sponsor."

Blackwell competed in the bowling, tennis ball drop and soccer kick events.

The event closed with medal presentations to the winners of each event. Medals were also presented to all the athletes for participation.

"I think it's good that Airmen from all the bases come together and show their appreciation to the community in the form of events such as this," said 1st Lt. David Arnett, 48th Contracting Squadron, an event sponsor. "This was my second year participating in this event, and I would definitely take part in it again if given the chance. It was a very rewarding experience."

The JMSSD started 30 years ago when Joan Mann, a Ministry of Defence employee working in RAF Mildenhall base's Public Affairs Office, sought a way to bring the community and bases together. Since its inception, the event has continuously drawn hundreds of participants and volunteers each year.

"I think it was a huge success," said Master Sgt. Gary Kimes, JMSSD committee chair. "The participants were extremely pleased with the event. I'd definitely like to see even more involvement from the bases. Anytime we can help those with special needs, it reflects well on the Air Force as a whole and on the community."

(Senior Airman Ethan Morgan contributed to this article)