On 13rd-14th March, 27th Kanto Plain Special Olympics was operated at Yokota Air Base, JAAGA vice president Ohgushi attended the opening ceremony and watches the games.　The Special Olympics was started in Chicago, U.S.A. in 1968 for the purpose of raising confidence through the sporting events and recreational activities for handicapped peoples.　The Paralympics is for physical handicapped persons, but Special Olympics is for mentally-disabled persons.　Kanto Plain Special Olympics was established in 1980 by NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) group of Yokota Air base, it is the 27th this year.　It unfortunately rained from morning, but players more than 400 participate from whole Kanto area.　While it drizzled, players did entrance march with Japan and US national flag as the top.　At the opening ceremony, the chairperson Michael O.Riddle (Commander of 374th Maintenance Group) stated "I respect you all as winners who are fighting against handicap", and the player's representative declares "we will do our best aiming at victory and we will show our courage even if we cannot win and do our best".　It was very impressive, indeed.　The athletic events were basketball, 50m. 100m. 200m and 400m race, standing broad jump, high jump, bowling, 1 mile Marathon, softball throwing and swimming races.　I could not watch all game concerning time, but I was very impressed that the players challenged oneself hard even if separated greatly in rain and they expressed joy in bodies after goal.　The operation of this Olympics costs 25.000 dollars.　This organization does not have a public budget, and is covered with donation by individuals and groups.　Also this event is supported by more than 2000 peoples, United States Armed Forces members and their families, base employees and local inhabitants.　I could realize that many JASDF members gently supported players.　40 peoples from Iruma AB, 17 from Kisarazu AB, and many from Hyakuri and Fuchu AB joined this supporting activities.　I felt happy to know the hidden good deed by JASDF NCO Association.　JAAGA supports Kadena Special Olympics till now, but will do Yokota and Misawa Special Olympics of Misawa equally from this year.　There are message from the chairperson Riddle to JAAGA, "we very appreciate the heart-warming support from JAAGA and it is big encouragement to a participation player."　(Reported by vice president Ohgushi)

Postscript：JAAGA received the appreciation letter from Director of Kanto Plain Special Olympics on 20 May. (See attached below)