Page 19 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt 3-4-16

Thunderbolt SPORTS March 4, 2016
http://www.luke.af.mil
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Bball tourney highlights Special Olympians
Sports Shorts
Story and photo by
Senior Airman St. Patrick’s Day fun run

DEVANTE WILLIAMS The St. Patrick’s Day 5k fun run is
7 a.m. March 11 and will begin at 944th
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 7HDPV3HRULDDQG%O\WKHVTXDUHRIIGXULQJWKH3DOR9HUGH$UHD6SHFLDO2O\PSLFV Fighter Wing Headquarters, Bldg. 988.
Basketball Tournament at American Sports Center Feb. 19 in Avondale. Fourteen There will be prizes and refreshments.
Athletes from all over Arizona came teams participated in the tournament in which the winners moved on to the state For more information, call 623-856-2291.
under one roof to compete in the Palo competition in Tucson. The tournament has been in existence for 12 years and
Verde Area Special Olympics Basketball IHDWXUHVWHDPVIURPWKH:HVW9DOOH\UDQJLQJIURPFKLOGUHQWRDGXOWVSDUWLFLSDWLQJ St. Patrick’s Day golf
Tournament Feb. 19 in Avondale. tourney
year we added official referees for the tour- “Special Olympics Arizona couldn’t exist
Fourteen teams participated in the nament. It helps to make the atmosphere without the generosity of our volunteers The St. Patrick’s Day golf tournament
tournament in which each division winner a very competitive one while also keeping who donate thousands of hours each year is 8 a.m. March 13 at Falcon Dunes Golf
moved to the state competition in March at the fun intact.” to help provide assistance to the train- Course. The cost is $48 per club member,
the University of Arizona in Tucson. This ing and competitions Special Olympics $53 per nonmember and $58 per guest,
basketball tournament has existed for 12 With the tournament being a success, it athletes deserve,” Haines said. “We are and includes green fee, range balls,
years and features teams participating wouldn’t have been possible without the grateful to the dedicated volunteers from cart rental, lunch and prizes. For more
from the West Valley ranging from children support of the volunteers from Luke Air Luke Air Force Base who came out and information, call 623-535-966.
to adults. Force Base who assisted by helping out with helped run all of our events.”
the scoreboard and aiding staff members. Sonoran hang gliding
“The mission of Special Olympics is to
provide year-round sports training and Hang glide thousands of feet over the
athletic competition in a variety of Olym- desert on a tandem discovery flight 10 a.m.
pic-type sports for children and adults to 5 p.m. April 9 at Sonora Wings. The
with intellectual disabilities,” said Sarah cost is $20 per single Airman. For more
Haines, Special Olympics Arizona Volun- information, call 623-856-6267.
teer and Human Resource Director. “It pro-
vides them with continuing opportunities T-Ball/pitch baseball
to develop physical fitness, demonstrate
courage, experience joy and participate T-Ball and pitch baseball registration is
in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship through March 18 for children ages 5 to 8.
with their families, other Special Olympics The cost is $35 per youth program member
athletes and the community.” and $45 per nonmember. Practice begins
April 4. Volunteer coaches are needed. For
The three-day basketball tournament more information, call 623-856-7470.
has seen more than 103 high-level teams
participate. The stands were filled with March of the Fallen
family members and friends as they
cheered for their favorite athletes through- The 2016 March of the Fallen is March
out the tournament. In its 13th year, the 26 through the White Tank Mountains.
Special Olympics basketball committee Weigh-in is 7 a.m. The march begins at
has made improvements to make the 8:15 a.m. The cost is $40 per person age
tournament more accessible for athletes. 18 and over, and $20 per person 17 and
under. For more information, call Senior
“Every year is a learning experience for Airman Scott Giles at 623-856-7028.
us,” said Jamie Heckerman, Palo Verde
director, Special Olympics Arizona. “This

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