LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Special Olympics are coming back to Langley, and volunteers from Langley Fire Department are stepping up to make the games the event of a lifetime for the athletes involved.
Doug Faber, FD assistant chief of training, is recruiting and organizing volunteers for the Area 22 Special Olympics soccer and volleyball tournament, which takes place here Oct. 10.
"Our former deputy chief had two special-needs children, so I stepped up to help them," he said. "It was so rewarding seeing them play in the games that I continued to volunteer."
The festivities will start at the base theater, where the athletes will carry the torch into the building and take their Olympic oath. After remarks from guest speakers, the participants will travel to the playing fields to show off their skills in a bracket-style tournament.
"The teams are organized by ability and skill level," Mr. Faber said. "In the end, every athlete gets a ribbon for a game well played."
The event will feature special skills challenges for athletes who cannot participate in the actual games. Challenges include kicking soccer balls, dribbling through cones and spiking volleyballs over the net.
"It's a good environment for everyone," said Mr. Faber. "All the kids get to participate and have fun, and that's what this is all about."
Last year, approximately 115 athletes participated in the games; this year, more than 200 children are expected to play, he said.
"The athletes and the community have been so supportive of what we do," said Mr. Faber. "The 1st Fighter Wing is proud to be able to give back to them."
Senior Airman Alexis Smith, FD driver operator, is also volunteering this year, serving as a scorekeeper and a referee.
"This is my first time volunteering for an event like this," he said. "Rather than just sit around on the weekend, it feels good to be able to help kids in need."
Having several friends with disabilities, Airman Smith finds extra pride in participating in the annual event.
"It hits close to home for me," he said. "This is my way of giving back to great kids with a lot of heart."
The Special Olympics were first held in 1968 in Chicago. Founded by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the games have since expanded into 180 countries worldwide, and allow 2.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in more than 30 events.
"To see these kids perform despite their handicap is amazing," added Airman Smith. "Watching them overcome the odds is the most rewarding part of the whole experience."
The event is still accepting volunteers to serve as referees in the tournaments. Prospective volunteers should call Mr. Faber at 764-2811. For more information on the Special Olympics, click
here.