KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler is set to host more than 700 athletes for this year’s Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 19-21, here.
This year marks the 31st year the base has hosted athletes from across Mississippi as they compete to qualify for the national games.
Jackie Pope, Keesler Airman and Family Readiness Center chief and SOMS project officer, said the Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Currently, event organizers are still looking to fill volunteer slots for the upcoming games.
“Volunteering with SOMS is contagious,” said Pope. “The Summer Games is an all-volunteer activity that wouldn’t happen without the kindness and interest of others. Approximately 3,000 volunteers participate during the weekend, and this wouldn’t be possible year after year if we didn’t have these incredible Airmen and civilians helping us out.”
For more information or to volunteer, call (228) 376-7667. For a schedule and event information during SOMS weekend, download the Keesler Air Force Base App on either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.