Joan Mann Special Sports Day celebrates 30 year milestone

RAF Mildenhall, England - Leadership from RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell and community leaders, cheer on athletes during the traditional torch relay parade of champions at Joan Mann Special Sports Day here Sept. 24, 2011. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)

Joan Mann Special Sports Day celebrates 30 year milestone

RAF Mildenhall, England - Athletes and sponsors participating in Joan Mann Special Sports Day dance the “Macarena” here Sept. 24, 2011. More than 800 Airmen from RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell volunteered to take part in the event for special athletes which celebrated its 30th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)

Joan Mann Special Sports Day celebrates 30 year milestone

RAF MILDENHALL, England – Family members of the late Joan Mann, lead the traditional torch relay parade of champions before the start of games of the Joan Mann Special Sports Day here Sept. 24, 2011. Joan Mann’s family was just a few of the many distinguished guests who attended the event held to help bring the base and community closer together. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ethan Morgan)

Joan Mann Special Sports Day celebrates 30 year milestone

RAF MILDENHALL, England – Airmen, athletes, family members and distinguished guests attended the 30th annual Joan Mann Special Sports day here Sept. 24, 2011. More than 800 Airmen from RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell volunteered to take part in the event for special athletes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ethan Morgan)

Joan Mann Special Sports Day celebrates 30 year milestone

Published Sept. 30, 2011
By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England --
RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell joined together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Joan Mann Special Sports day in grand fashion here Sept. 24, 2011.

As one of the base's more popular community relations events, the JMSSD committee enlisted the help of more than 800 volunteers from across the bases.

More than 200 athletes from around the region showed up with their families to participate in the event.

The event kicked off with a torch relay and a parade of athletes before the athletes competed in various events, including an obstacle course, basketball shoot out, bowling and a 100-yard dash.

"I'm having a lot of fun," said Joanne Blackwell, a returning athlete. "The best part of my day was meeting my sponsor."

Blackwell competed in the bowling, tennis ball drop and soccer kick events.

The event closed with medal presentations to the winners of each event. Medals were also presented to all the athletes for participation.

"I think it's good that Airmen from all the bases come together and show their appreciation to the community in the form of events such as this," said 1st Lt. David Arnett, 48th Contracting Squadron, an event sponsor. "This was my second year participating in this event, and I would definitely take part in it again if given the chance. It was a very rewarding experience."

The JMSSD started 30 years ago when Joan Mann, a Ministry of Defence employee working in RAF Mildenhall base's Public Affairs Office, sought a way to bring the community and bases together. Since its inception, the event has continuously drawn hundreds of participants and volunteers each year.

"I think it was a huge success," said Master Sgt. Gary Kimes, JMSSD committee chair. "The participants were extremely pleased with the event. I'd definitely like to see even more involvement from the bases. Anytime we can help those with special needs, it reflects well on the Air Force as a whole and on the community."