Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Athletes, their buddies and coaches march in the opening parade of the Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The Special Olympics is a global organization. The Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Bibb Yamamoto, representing the Department of Defense Education Activity, prepares to the light the torch at the Kanto Plains Special Olympics opening ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the games at Yokota. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Raymond Denny, an establishing member of the Kanto Plains Special Olympics 40 years ago, gives a speech at the KPSO opening ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. Raymond is a retired sailor who was stationed at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The Non Commissioned Officers Association established the KPSO program at Yokota Air Base, Japan with only three athletes from the Department of Defense Education Activity in 1980. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Athletes sprint to the finish line in the 50 meter race during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The motto of the Special Olympics states, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in attempt,” (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete sprints to the finish line in the 50 meter race during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The event played host to164 athletes from 14 local schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity throughout the Kanto Plain region as they competed in various sports ranging from the track and field and bowling to basketball and swimming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete sprints to the finish line in the 50 meter race during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. Approximately 1,100 volunteers from United States Armed Forces, Japan Self-Defense Forces and their families worked together to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete tosses a Frisbee through a hoop of the flying disc competition during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The event played host to164 athletes from 14 local schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity throughout the Kanto Plain region as they competed in various sports ranging from the track and field and bowling to basketball and swimming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete exchanges a high-five with a medal presenter after receiving a medal during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base Japan, June 1, 2019. The motto of the Special Olympics states, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in attempt,” (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete strikes a ball towards goal during the soccer shoot competition of the Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete throws a ball during the softball throw competition of the Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The event played host to164 athletes from 14 local schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity throughout the Kanto Plain region as they competed in various sports ranging from the track and field and bowling to basketball and swimming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete throws a ball during the softball throw competition of the Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The motto of the Special Olympics states, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in attempt,” (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete nears the finish line during the swimming competition of the Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The event played host to164 athletes from 14 local schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity throughout the Kanto Plain region as they competed in various sports ranging from the track and field and bowling to basketball and swimming. (Courtesy photo by Mike Van Hoecke)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An Athlete celebrates receiving a medal with the medal presenter and his buddy during the medal ceremony of the bowling competition during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base Japan, June 1, 2019. Each athlete was assigned a buddy from a volunteers to escort, keep company with, and cheer on their athlete throughout the event. (Courtesy photo by Mike Van Hoecke)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Athletes run in the 400 meter relay during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

An athlete crosses the finish line during the 400 meter relay race at the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the games at Yokota. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Athletes celebrate receiving a medal during the medal ceremony of the 400 meter relay race during the 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2019. Approximately 1,100 volunteers from United States Armed Forces, Japan Self-Defense Forces and their families worked together to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Yokota hosts 40th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Published June 4, 2019
By Machiko Arita
374th Airlift Wing public affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --