News

Athletes make event at McChord Field special

  • Published
  • By Lorin Smith
  • Northwest Guardian
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. --  When the sun went down at the Special Olympics Washington Summer Games at Joint Base Lewis-McChord June 4, that's when the partying started. Barbecue, carnival games and dancing brought more than 2,500 athletes and their families, coaches and chaperones to two hangars on McChord Field.

J.C. Gumm wanted to arrive early to the dance, as he had quite a show to put on. As a soccer player by day, Gumm transformed into Michael Jackson, complete with a replica of the iconic sequined glove. As the DJ bumped Jackson hits just for Gumm, the Special Olympics goalie with the Federal Way Thunder soccer team spinned, moonwalked and popped to the legend's music.

"I love coming out here and dancing," Gumm said. "You work hard ... in the morning, play a bunch of games, get tired and just can't wait to come here and continue having fun."

That's the sentiment Special Olympics Washington officials and McChord Field event coordinators had hoped for.

An Air Force Reservist, Senior Master Sgt. Mark Cherrix has been coordinating the dance at McChord since 1997. Sergeant Cherrix and other 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Reserve personnel assembled more than 250 military and civilian volunteers to provide security, run the games and be "agents of fun" for the athletes during the Victory Dance in Hangar 1 and the Victory Happening in Hangar 2. The Happening provided athletes a relaxed atmosphere with carnival games in case they didn't want to listen to loud music, Sergeant Cherrix said.

"Special Olympics is a huge event in a person's life," Sergeant Cherrix said. "They work hard, train hard, have a lot of obstacles to overcome, walk away with a medal, and come over here and celebrate."

Performing for the athletes was Dance Factory, a band that played dance hits from the past 40 years. Each athlete enjoyed the music in his or her own way. Some came in full prom regalia, some in costumes like Gumm, while others came in team uniforms. At one point, a conga line with hundreds of people spanned the entire length of the hangar. Every song received a louder scream of approval than the last one, and that's what keeps bringing Sergeant Cherrix back to volunteer for the games.

"I come back for the smiling faces," he said.

At the Happening, adult and children athletes of all ages took part in ring tosses, basketball and smack-a-frog. Victory Happening coordinator Master Sgt. Jeff Barsaloux, 446th AMXS, started volunteering with Special Olympics at McChord as a game operator eight years ago. Now, he's in charge of all the games in the hangar.

"I like volunteering with Special Olympics because of the excitement it brings to the athletes," said Sergeant Barsaloux, also an Air Force Reservist. "When I'm having fun, they are having fun."

Less than a mile away and before the dance kicked off, other McChord Airmen hosted a family barbecue to offer barbecued pork or chicken to hungry athletes and their families. Senior Master Sgt. Dave Walker, 627th Force Support Squadron, McChord's food service manager, said about 250 people stopped by for barbecue, chips, soda and utensils to dish out a big meal.

"It's always rewarding to be able to help out with the community like this and an event like (Special Olympics Washington)," Sergeant Walker said. "This is special because it not only connects us with the community, but with kids who don't have it that easy."

James Tucker and his family traveled across the state to bring his daughter, Evamae Dowd, 9, to participate in the 100-meter walk, 50-meter run and softball throw. It's the family's first year involved with Special Olympics, and the first time in 30 years that Tucker had been there.

"We've had a real nice opportunity to meet other families here," Tucker said. Barbecued chicken server Staff Sgt. Katherine Vilca had no problems giving up her Saturday to help out with the Summer Games.

She is planning on getting a bachelor's degree in special education one day.

"It's a passion of mine to work with special needs kids and adults," said Sergeant Vilca, from 627th Civil Engineer Squadron. "It's humbling, rewarding, and it's better to give than to take, like my momma said."

More photos can be found at: http://www.nwguardian.com/2011/06/08/10317/jblm-celebrates-with-special-olympians.html