KEESLER HOSTS MISSISSIPPI SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES Published May 13, 2009 By 010509 KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS -- What: Keesler Air Force Base will host the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games. When: May 15-17 Where: Keesler Air Force Base and various locations depending on the event. Interviews: Col. Chris Valle, 81st Training Wing commander, Keesler AFB Special Olympics Committee members, athletes, families, coaches, caregivers and Airman sponsors are all available. Background: This is the 41th Anniversary of Special Olympics and Keesler has hosted the event for more than two decades. More than 1300 athletes, coaches and caregivers from across the state will pass through Keesler's gates, which is more than any other year Keesler has hosted the event. More than 3,000 volunteers from Keesler and the local area have donated their time. For more information on the event as well as the event's agenda click on http://www.keesler.af.mil/specialolympicsmississippi/index.asp Of Note: The Special Olympics Torch Run will take place Friday where the 81st Security Forces Squadron runners will be passed the torch from Biloxi police runners at the intersection of Rodenberg Ave. and Highway 90 at approximately 11 a.m. The runners will then travel down Highway 90 until they reach the White Ave. base gate (at approximately noon) where they will enter Keesler AFB and Col. Chris Valle, 81st TRW commander, will help run the torch to the games cauldron. MEDIA: Please call (228) 377-2254 by 5 p.m. Thursday, if you are interested in covering this event. For after hours help, call 669-7569.