Athletes and volunteers parade during the Special Olympics at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Nov. 16, 2024. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — Nearly 80 athletes gave their all during the 20th Kadena Special Olympics beneath soggy skies at this U.S. base over the weekend.
They came from more than 10 schools on the base and in the surrounding neighborhoods of Okinawa city, Chatan and Kadena towns on Saturday to compete for gold, silver and bronze medals on the grounds of Kadena High School.
Eight American students took part, wing commander Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans said during a news conference at the event.
The Special Olympics, held annually at Kadena between 2000 and 2017, drew more than 800 athletes at its peak, according to numbers provided by event co-founder Takako Fukuhara, who continues to work with Special Olympics Nippon – Okinawa Chapter.
An athlete carries the Olympic flame alongside 18th Wing Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang during the Special Olympics at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Nov. 16, 2024. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)
A rise in costs and the COVID-19 pandemic put the event on hiatus from 2018 to 2022.
This year, the Special Olympics’ second since it resumed in 2023, the number of participants is up from about 60 athletes, Evans said.
Organizers plan to gradually revive the event to a suitable size, 18th Wing Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang told reporters.
“As we move forward, we do plan to incrementally grow the amount of athletes … while still providing the right quality of an event that’s geared toward the athletes, which is about 100, 110,” he said.
A private organization took over fundraising for last year’s event, Wolfgang said. The Special Olympics organization raised about $22,000 to purchase food, shirts and medals, with a surplus to carry into next year, Evans said.
“We understood how big of an opportunity this is to break some barriers and bring some athletes back on, and really make a day all about athletes and continue to build relationships here in the local community,” Wolfgang said.
An athlete is congratulated by the Mandalorian from "Star Wars" after the 30-meter dash event during the Special Olympics at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Nov. 16, 2024. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for adults and children with disabilities, supporting more than five million athletes worldwide, according to its website. It was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John F. Kennedy.
During the opening ceremony, athletes paraded to the outdoor stage alongside colorful characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Superman and the Mandalorian and Darth Vader from “Star Wars.”
With help from Wolfgang, an athlete named Noa Higa lit the Olympic Torch before the opening remarks from Evans and Okinawa Vice Gov. Yoshimi Teruya.
Anthony McHenry, assistant coach of the Ryukyu Golden Kings pro basketball team, led participants in the athlete’s oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Athletes compete in the 30-meter dash during the Special Olympics at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Nov. 16, 2024. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)
Athletes participated in track, field and wheelchair events, including basketball, soccer, 30- and 50-meter dashes and a 200-meter relay. About 260 volunteers assisted them, Evans said.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Phoenix Jenkins, 34, cheered on the sidelines as the athlete she was shadowing, Kentaro, won first place in the 30-meter dash. He also won the 50-meter dash earlier in the day.
“It’s more powerful being out here, being a part of the heartbeat,” she said after the race. “You know, you do the fundraising for it, but being on this side, being the heartbeat, this is something that I’ll tell anybody to do.”
