Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

Lt. Gen. John L. Dolan, U.S. Forces, Japan, and 5th Air Force commander, gives the opening remarks for the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. Dolan thanked the members of the organizing committee, corporate sponsors, all athletes and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

Volunteers escort athletes in the Parade of Hope during the opening ceremonies of the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, May 28, 2016. Approximately 140 athletes participated in the event, comprising eight off-base teams and a team with the Department of Defense Education Activity. Athletes participated in various sporting events throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

Zachary Mckibben, a student at Yokosuka Middle School, lights the Olympic flame at the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics opening ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. The opening ceremony featured the parade of athletes, lighting of the Olympic flame and the release of 37 balloons symbolizing the amount of years the Special Olympics have taken place at Yokota. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

An athlete heads down the home stretch of the 400-meter relay during the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. The KPSO provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. The program was established in 1980. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

Ricky Delaney, with the Department of Defense Education Activity, throws a Frisbee during the flying disc event at the Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. Additional events during the day included swimming, soccer, basketball and track and field events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

An athlete throws a softball during the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. Approximately 140 athletes, consisting of nine schools throughout the Kanto Plains, competed in events ranging from the bowling and swimming to track and field. More than 1000 volunteers from U.S. military installations in the area, as well as members of the Japanese Self-Defense Force and volunteers from surrounding communities, also took part in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

An Athlete in the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics participates in a swimming race at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. The theme for this year's event was “Perseverance & Never Fear.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

An athlete dribbles a ball during the basketball event at the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. The KPSO provided an opportunity for competitors to have fun and build friendships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

Athletes run in the 400 meter relay during the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. In addition to track and field events, participants competed in a variety of sports including basketball, swimming and bowling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

A volunteer runs alongside an athlete during the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics held at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. Each athlete was assigned a buddy, or a volunteer, to escort, keep company with, and cheer on their athlete throughout the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

An athlete runs alongside a volunteer in the 50-meter sprint during the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics held at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2016. Each athlete was assigned a buddy, or a volunteer, to escort, keep company with, and cheer on their athlete throughout the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

An athlete exchanges a high-five with a spectator after completing the 50-meter sprint during the 37th Annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics held at Yokota Air Base Japan, May 28, 2016. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense employees, Japanese Self-Defense Force members and Japanese volunteers cheered on athletes throughout the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Imai/Released)

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Yokota hosts 37th annual KPSO

Published June 2, 2016