Special memories from Special Olympics

Area 8 athlete Luke Robinson, left, and Senior Airman Caleb Foy, 81st Security Forces Squadron, light the flame to open the 2009 Mississippi Special Olympics Summer Games at Keesler Friday. The base hosted more than 1,300 athletes and coaches during the weekend. The base has been the site for the state games since 1982. About 3,000 volunteers helped to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Special memories from Special Olympics

Airman Johnny Sears, “breaks it down” with Area 17 athlete Nathan Wallace at the victory dance on the parade grounds in the Triangle after Saturday’s closing ceremonies. Airman Sears, 332nd TRS, was Mr. Wallace’s sponsor.

Special Olympics — sports, spirit, sharing

From left, Staff Sgt. Sean Rafferty, 81st TRSS, and Airman 1st Class Justin Kimble, 334th Training Squadron, work with athlete Steve Ruffin, Area 2, on his golfing skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Special Olympics — sports, spirit, sharing

Athlete Janice Washington responds with delight after Col. Greg Touhill, 81st Training Wing commander, presents her bronze medal in the 50-yard dash. She was one of 850 athletes competing in the Mississippi State Special Olympics Summer Games at Keesler last weekend. Keesler has sponsored the event for more than two decades, and more than 3,000 base volunteers helped to make this year’s games a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Special Olympics — sports, spirit, sharing

Ten-year-old Amber Jarvis is airborne as she represents Area 11 in the running long jump. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Special Olympics — sports, spirit, sharing

Left, Area 6 athlete Penny Burchfield makes a good toss in the bocce competition as her sponsor, Airman 1st Class Janell Stokes, cheers her on. Airman Stokes is a student in the 335th TRS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)