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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. — Deloris Cox, a Special Olympics athlete, and her two Marine partners travel to an event during the games hosted by the Marine Corps Air Station New River commissary Jan. 6. Each athlete was allowed to choose two Marines to participate in the games with them.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ned Johnson

New River hosts Special Olympics athletes

6 Jan 2016 | Lance Cpl. Ned Johnson Marine Corps Air Station New River

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.”


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