Station volunteers lend a hand to Special Olympics (pssst -- Tough Marines have Soft Hearts)

Marine Corps News ^ | Dec 6, 2005 | Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Gale

[SandRat]

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Dec. 6, 2005) -- Approximately 115 athletes and nearly 120 Marine and civilian volunteers participated in the annual Special Olympics of Onslow County Fall Basketball Games in the New River Fitness Center gym Dec. 2.

The Special Olympics offers year-round sports training and competition for more than one million children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

According to Laura Quinn, SOOC public relations director, the athletes for the Fall Basketball Games were students from 11 area schools, including Brewster Middle School aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and Carobell, Inc., which provides 24-hour care for persons with severe or profound developmental and physical disabilities, and those with disabilities who are considered independent.

“This is their day to shine and excel,” she said. “They all have a good time and meet other athletes. They can socialize and spend time with friends they may not have seen in a while.”

The Air Station has been home to the Special Olympics since the year 2000, due in large part to Quinn’s husband, Paul, the New River Marine Corps Community Services director.

“We really appreciate all the support the Air Station has given us through the years,” she said. “We couldn’t do this without the help of the Marines.”

However, the volunteers seem to enjoy the day as much as the athletes.

“We gain just as much as they do,” said Sgt. Daniel J. Berry, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-461 flightline mechanic. “We see their motivation and how much fun they have, and it gives us a new way to look at life.”

The events included games, such as target pass, spot shot and distance dribbling, that are designed to test the skills of the athletes, said Quinn.

The Marines assisted the individual athletes and coordinated the games.

Volunteer opportunities like the Special Olympics are a good way to showcase how important the Marine Corps can be to its neighboring communities, said Staff Sgt. Jason Warren, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training instructor.

“With everything going on in the world today, people tend to forget about what happens here,” he said. “It’s good for the Marine Corps to help the community. It gives us a good feeling to help people out and see them having fun.”

Each athlete was awarded a ribbon for participating, because as Quinn said, “They are all winners.

“The athletes love to hear the crowd cheer for them,” she added. “They have so much fun. They can show off their ribbons when they get back to school and have something to be proud of.”

The next Special Olympics event in Onslow County will be held Jan. 14.

For more information, call the SOOC information hotline at (910) 346-8366.

[SandRat]

Cortney Quinn, an athlete who participated in the Special Olympics 2005 Fall Basketball Games here, Dec. 2, carries the Olympic Flame to signal the beginning of the games. Cortney, who has been participating in the Special Olympics for approximately 14 years and recently received the Gold Medal for her participation as the only female to compete in the 1500-meter swim. Photo by: Cpl. Ezekiel R. Kitandwe

An athlete with the Special Olympics prepares to shoot one of 12 shots during the Spot Shot portion of the 2005 Fall Basketball Games. Photo by: Cpl. Ezekiel R. Kitandwe

[SandRat]

pssssst!!!!

This is super secret!

Marines don't want this out!

It give a different image of Marines.

[Calpernia]

I did this too when I was on rural tour with my husband.

That was a fun time.

[Killborn]

Reminds me of the picture published by National Geographic of a Marine with a "Devil Dog" tattoo caressing a frightened toddler.

[gathersnomoss]

Let's see here. Marines helping those in need of a hand. Liberals are no where to be seen. The Clinton's "used" the Marines to serve food. The liberals hate the military (don't let them try to say otherwise).

Hillary needs to have a complete exorcism if she is to have a snowballs chance in her home town, hell.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[marine86297]

I volunteered for Special Olympics when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton. We had a great time. One of our tasks was racing the wheelchair bound kids. Most could not push their chairs themselves so needless to say it became a Marine vs Marine drag race, Gosh!! did those kids hava a ball. I will never forget the looks on those kids faces after the drag racing er... uh... Special Olympics. I've been a Special Olympics volunteer ever since and always enjoy it.

Semper Fidelis