Keesler welcomes Special Olympics athletes May 8-10 Published April 29, 2015 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler is preparing to roll out the red carpet for 700 athletes for the 40th annual Mississippi Special Olympics Summer Games, May 8-10 at Keesler. This will be the 29th year for Keesler to host the games, said Capt. Joshua Tate, 335th Training Squadron, who serves as a project officer along with Jackie Pope, 81st Force Support Squadron, and Maj. Benjamin Martin, legal office. "Keesler provides facilities and support for the games, and this sponsorship and our numerous volunteers attests to the caring spirit and willingness of our people to donate time and work to better the lives of special athletes," Tate explained. "Each athlete is welcomed and paired with two Keesler trainees who serve as escorts and friends throughout the weekend. "The program is designed to promote a spirit of sportsmanship, determination and courage in the athletes by allowing them the opportunity to learn, experience and grow as contributing members of our society," he added. Tate announced the schedule of activities for the weekend. May 8 · Dorm decoration judging - 9-10 a.m., student dorms. · Torch run - 12:30-1 p.m., from Veterans Avenue to U.S. Highway 90 through White Avenue Gate, down Larcher Boulevard and Meadows Drive to the Triangle, Welch Theater. · Reception, 5:30-7 p.m., Bay Breeze Event Center. · Opening ceremonies, 7:30-9 p.m., Levitow Training Support Facility parade field. May 9 · Wheelchair races, 9-11 a.m., north Triangle Track. · Tennis, 9 a.m. to noon, tennis courts. · Bowling, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gaudé Lanes. · Track events, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Triangle Track. · Golf, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bay Breeze Golf Course. · Bocce, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., north Triangle Track. · Volleyball, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Blake Fitness Center. · Power lifting, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Triangle Fitness Center. · Aquatics, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Biloxi Natatorium. · Sailing, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Biloxi Yacht Club. · Olympic Village, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., parade field. · Running long jump, 1:30-4 p.m., north Triangle Track. · Shot put, 1:30-4 p.m., southeast of Triangle Track. · Javelin, 1:30-4 p.m., center of Triangle Track. · Softball throw, 1:30-4 p.m., softball fields. · Standing long jump, 1:30-4 p.m., north Triangle Track. · Tennis ball throw, 1:30-4 p.m., softball fields. · Closing ceremonies, 7:30-8 p.m., parade field. · Victory dance, 8-11 p.m., parade field. · Movie, 8-9:45 p.m., Welch Theater. May 10 · Departure, 8 a.m. to noon, student dorms. To volunteer during the games, call 228-376-7667 (SOMS).