Volunteers still needed for JMSSD Published Sept. 17, 2007 By Karen Abeyasekere 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- About 250 volunteers are still needed to help with the 26th annual Joan Mann Special Sports Day Saturday. The event, at Hangar 711, will provide games, fun and entertainment for more than 250 special-needs students from around East Anglia. Twenty volunteers are needed to help with parking, about 30 for set-up and tear-down, and the remaining 500-plus to act as escorts to the participants. Events run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and begin with a traditional Olympic-style ceremony and parade of athletes. Sporting events begin after wing leadership's opening remarks, followed by lunch and an awards presentation. Competitions include the ring toss (seated and standing), basketball shoot (seated and standing), tennis ball shuttle run, wheelchair slalom course and 300-feet relay run. "There'll be face painting, balloons, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog and the fire department, and a birds of prey display," said Sergeant Anderson. "So come out and be a part of something that could change a person's life - possibly yours." All special athletes participating will receive a medal, whether they win an event or not. They will also receive a T-shirt and certificate, in addition to a photo of themselves at the event. The event started 26 years ago, when Joan Mann, a former Ministry of Defence civilian who worked in the 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office, decided to put together an event for special-needs people of all ages. The purpose of the event was to bring the local British and American communities closer together. At the time, the newly-formed Top 3 Fellowship agreed to fund the event, and have done so every year since. Joan Mann died last year, but it is hoped her son will be at RAF Mildenhall to help celebrate this year's event. For more information, call Sergeant Anderson at 238-8536 or Sergeant Harrill at 238-5631.