Providing a safety net: Security Forces volunteers come to the aid of visually impaired for two days of spirited competition
By Valerie Mullett, 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
/ Published May 10, 2007
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Malmstrom Airmen have a reputation for being quick to volunteer when the community needs them. For a group of 36 special athletes, their call for help was heeded by about 70 off-duty security forces members eager to lend a hand.
They gathered at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind then marched across the street with the special athletes to the East Middle School track.
The Games for the Visually Impaired were held Friday and Saturday keeping a 26-year tradition alive, according to Carol Clayton-Bye, orgranizer of this year's event. The games included track and field events - running, shot put toss and standing long jump - as well as indoor events including gymnastics, bowling and swimming.
Volunteers acted in different roles. Several participants were totally blind and needed someone else to be their eyes to compete. Volunteers paired up with the athletes and used a special guide rope to run along side them during the competition - at the athlete's pace. Some took off in a full sprint while others shuffled their feet in amazement they were competing.
Other volunteers lined the sidelines belting out hearty cheers, encouraging the athletes as they competed. Still others served as timers, shot put retrievers and measurement takers. Whatever role they stepped into, their efforts were much appreciated.
"Some of these athletes are able to participate in Special Olympics, as well," Mrs. Clayton-Bye said. "But others are too high functioning to qualify. These games are specifically for them."
The athletes ranged in age from four to 21 and everyone received ribbons and certificates for participating. First through third place finishers also received trophies and pentathlon winners received medallions.
It appears the Security Forces Group has adopted The Games for the Visually Impaired as their annual volunteer venue, according the Mrs. Clayton-Bye.
"Several years ago, my assistant at the time was married to a gentleman stationed at Malmstrom and she said he could round up volunteers to help with the games," she said. "He was in the security forces. When they left, I hired a new assistant and it turned out her husband was a security forces member, too."
"They moved on, as well, so now I just contact them myself because I know they will come through," she said.