More than 160 volunteers still needed for Joan Mann Special Sports Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Thomas Trower
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  About 160 volunteers are still needed for the 28th Annual Joan Mann Special Sports Day at Hangar 711 here Sept. 19.

Anyone over 16 with RAF Mildenhall access may volunteer to serve as an escort chaparoning contestants through the competitions and festivities, as well as game helpers to write down times, count points and scores at each station. According to Staff Sgt. Amber Washington, JMSSD RAF Mildenhall volunteer coordinator, other positions that need to be filled include parking attendants, photography, set-up and tear-down crews, food preparers and servers, and registration officials.

Nearly 300 athletes are expected to compete at the event and each one needs two escorts throughout the day, said Sergeant Washington. All the volunteers will be briefed on their duties the morning of the event.

"[Sept. 18] we have to do the set up and this is a huge part in making sure the event runs smoothly on the 19th. This includes setting up all computers for the games and making sure all wiring is in place," said Sergeant Washington. "Then all the wires have to be covered with cardboard boxes and taped down. It is very time consuming and has to be done for safety issues. Once the games are put in place, the event is ready to begin. The volunteers are key to putting on this event."

"I always tell everyone, 'This is my favorite event of the year,'" said Sergeant Washington. "The participants are so grateful and look forward to this day all year long. If you ever want to feel good about volunteering, this is the event to do it. The athletes are awesome."

For a list of points of contact for any questions or to volunteer, visit www.mildenhall.af.mil/events/index.asp?date=09/19/2009. 


Baked goods are needed for the Joan Mann Special Sports Day 

by Senior Airman Thomas Trower
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

9/4/2009 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The Joan Mann Special Sports Day event committee is seeking baked goods and snacks to feed contestants and volunteers at this year's competition at Hangar 711 Sept. 19.

Donations should be delivered to the RAF Mildenhall Chapel by 4 p.m. Sept. 18. All items should be individually wrapped and marked accordingly if they contain nuts or peanut butter.

"I think this is a wonderful thing," said Lisa Dunn, JMSSD volunteer and 48th Communications Squadron spouse. "I have a brother with down syndrome and every year we would go to the Special Olympics as a family and watch him compete. I think it gives the athletes a day where it is about them and when you see a smile on their faces, you know all the hard work that was put into getting [JMSSD] ready was so worth it."

Organizers estimate to feeding about 600 people throughout the day.

"These baked goods are important because the athletes really look forward to getting snacks throughout the day," said Ms. Dunn. "So, we really need people to bake for us. We are hoping to get as many items as we possibly can. The more the better."