The US Air Force will host more than 150 special-needs athletes from across England at the 37th Annual Joan Mann Special Sports Day this coming weekend.
It will begin with the lighting of the Olympic torch and the “Parade of Athletes,” followed by 12 different sporting events including the basketball shoot, obstacle course and wheelchair slalom. Afterward, medals will be awarded.
In addition to the sporting events, the day, which takes place on Saturday, September 22, will feature bagpipers, therapy dog demonstrations and food provided by various base organizations.
More than 600 volunteers, airmen and dependents from RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell, will make this event possible.
“Team Mildenhall is proud to host this event for our UK friends and neighbors who come out to enjoy a day of sports and activities,” said Col Robert Shelton, 100th Operations Group commander.
“After 37 years this event is just as much a part of our heritage as our flying mission. It’s an amazing experience not only for the participants, but for all the Airmen and families that have the opportunity to give back to the community that has been so welcoming.”
This day is named for Joan Mann, a Ministry of Defence employee who worked in the public affairs office.
She conceived the special sports day as a way to not only offer special-needs people of all ages a day of fun, but also to draw the civilian and military communities closer together.
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