Published: September 20, 2007 11:51 pm      

NAS Meridian hosts Special Olympics

Hundreds of athletes participate in the games

The special athletes may not have the physical or mental capabilities of Reggie Bush or Shaquille O’Neal but their hearts and desire would not be questioned as they participated in the Area 5 Special Olympics Fall Games Thursday at NAS Meridian.

Throughout the perfect fall day, smiles and clapping could be heard over the din of jet engines overhead. Everywhere on the athletic fields of the naval station participants ran, kicked, jumped and did everything in their power to earn one of the coveted medals.

“Look at their faces,” said US Navy Chief Patrick Bourgeois, who led the way in preparing NAS Meridian for the games this year. “They just light up at the slightest sense of accomplishment or appreciation for their efforts. That makes it all worth the weeks of hard work we put in to host these games again.”

For more than 20 years, NAS Meridian has been the site for the Area 5 games.

Cmdr. Hank Coates, NAS executive



officer, kicked off the event for the nearly 250 athletes attending by telling the athletes, “In this group there are a few champions but all of you are winners today.”

He received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

Special Olympians participated in events, which included bowling, golf, soccer skills, softball skills and equestrian.

Athletes traveled from 22 schools, located in Lauderdale, Kemper, Newton and Clarke Counties. Athletes from MIDD Meridian and a group home competed in the games as well.