MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. — --
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW
RIVER, N.C. — Around
50 Marines teamed up with the commissary to provide an opportunity for local
Special Olympics athletes to compete in games on Marine Corps Air Station New
River Jan. 6.
Eight athletes attended the
inaugural games on the station and participated in multiple events to include
turkey bowling and a pie-eating contest.
“My boss when I worked at (Marine
Corps Air Station) Cherry Point did this every year, and I wanted to bring it
to New River,” said Maureen Burnetsky, commissary officer.
Burnetsky, who organized and hosted
the event, said she was overwhelmed by the presence and support of the Marines.
The athletes each selected two
Marines as their partners during the events. The Marines assisted the athletes
or in some cases competed in the games.
Between the games, Marines
interacted with the athletes, learned their stories and even danced to music
with them.
“It was great to be here,” said
Staff Sgt. Jason Cerre, a separations chief with Headquarters and Headquarters
Support Squadron. “It was worth it to see the smiles on their faces.”
Those smiles spread past the
athletes and to the Marines and sailors present as well.
“Everyone loves to be cheered on,”
Burnetsky said. “And the Marines did a great job of providing that atmosphere
and then ended up having a great times themselves.”
After the games, each athlete was
given a certificate and won a door prize.
Afterward, Marines like Cerre and
Lance Cpl. Conner Harris stayed around to socialize with the athletes.
“We are Marines, and we help people,”
said Harris, an administrative clerk with H&HS Squadron. “I just like
helping people.”