MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- More than 80 Moody Air Force Base Airmen volunteered their time during the annual Special Olympics, March 2, 2017, at Freedom Park in Valdosta, Ga.
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority hosted the event, allowing more than 250 children from five surrounding counties to compete in more than 10 Olympic activities.
“Special Olympics events make an invaluable contribution to the lives of the athletes that extend well beyond sports,” said Airman 1st Class Andrea Rojas Jimenez, 23d Communication Squadron knowledge manager. “It helps [the participants] build self-confidence and gives positive visibility to those with intellectual disabilities.”
Although children received first, second, third and fourth place in each event, volunteers ensured each participant was victorious as they all took home ribbons.
Some volunteer Airmen were tasked to supervise activities such as wheelchair races, long jump or face painting, while others were assigned a group of children to take to each station.
“With my son being autistic, this event gives him the opportunity to ‘be like everyone else,’” said Master Sgt. Jason Barton, 23d Equipment Maintenance Squadron. “Being able to volunteer each year not only gives me an opportunity to spend time with him, it also allows me to make sure that the children are having a good time and make their day as special as I can because I know how hard it can be.”
As the largest volunteer group for the event, Moody Airmen played a big role in making the Special Olympics possible.
“It was very rewarding being a part of such an awesome event and seeing the children have a great time,” said Rojas Jimenez.