D-M members volunteer at Special Olympics Published April 3, 2008 By Capt. Rebecca Garcia 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TUCSON, Ariz. -- More than 300 members from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base volunteered at the Special Olympics Pima County Area Track and Field competition March 29 at Sunnyside High School here in Tucson. The competition is the area's largest, one-day competition and offers 25 track and field events. The competition offered all of the standard Olympic events, but also offered wheelchair (motorized and non-motorized) and assisted walking events, plus a softball and tennis ball throw. The opening ceremony kicked off with the Olympic tradition of lighting the Flame of Hope, a flyover by helicopters from the Department of Homeland Security, and an inaugural lap around the track by the Law Enforcement Torch Run Members with a Tucson Police Department motorcycle escort. After the torch procession, the competitors ceremoniously repeated the athlete's oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." "The athlete oath speaks to the true spirit of Special Olympics, where competition is not just about winning or losing, the attainment of medals, or who crosses the finish line first," said Holly Thompson, Competition and Outreach Manager for Special Olympics Pima County. "Our competitions are more about the individual achievements of the athletes as they strive to do their personal best." Special Olympics is an international, non-profit organization who's mission involves, "empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition," as stated on the Special Olympics public Web site. Special Olympics Pima County offers athletic competitions throughout the year. Every year, the Special Olympics requests volunteers to help run these competitions. "With the help of the volunteers, parents can enjoy the event and cheer for the athletes," said D-M Special Olympics volunteer coordinator William Anderson. "Volunteers are crucial to the success of the competition because Special Olympics Pima County has only one paid staff person. All other duties are performed by volunteer coaches, team volunteers, and day-of-event volunteers," said Ms. Thompson. On average, there are 150 to 175 D-M volunteers at this particular competition. This year there were 380 volunteers, nearly as many volunteers as there were competitors. Mr. Anderson credits the volunteer turnout to individuals and an extra effort from the Airman Leadership School and the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "Davis Monthan has been a great resource for volunteers," he said. Anderson is a retired Air Force weather forecaster who has been volunteering with the Special Olympics for about 18 years. According to Mr. Anderson, he initially began volunteering when he was at the NCO Academy, just for something extra to do. Now he volunteers because "Anything I can do to make their lives a little happier, that's what I'm here for," he said. Catherine Armstrong, an aircraft parts store technician with the 355th LRS and her daughter Sydney, 6, are volunteers. This was Sydney's first time volunteering. Ms. Armstrong brought her daughter to volunteer because she wanted her to see, first hand how the competitors in the Special Olympics work so hard to compete and keep up their spirits, even though they face some unique challenges in life, she said. The next Special Olympics Pima County event will be a tennis competition April 12. For more information about volunteering or sponsorship, call Holly Thompson at (520) 207-1382. For more information about the Special Olympics Arizona, go to www.soaz.org.