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The Kanto Plains Special Olympics (KPSO) opening ceremony begins with a parade led by the Yokota Base Honor Guard at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2023. Participants and volunteers arrived from all around the Kanto Plains region to attend the 44th annual KPSO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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A participating athlete lights a ceremonial torch during the Kanto Plains Special Olympics (KPSO) opening ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2023. Over 250 attendees, including athletes, their families, and coaches, participated in this year’s KPSO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Athletes compete in the 100-meter dash during the Kanto Plains Special Olympics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2023. There were four running competitions, including the 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 400-meter relay race. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Athletes compete in the soccer shoot competition during the Kanto Plains Special Olympics (KPSO) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2023. Some other events that took place during the KPSO were basketball, swimming, bowling, and softball throwing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Athletes compete in the standing long-jump competition during the Kanto Plains Special Olympics (KPSO) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2023. Events like the KPSO allow the U.S. Air Force to support the host nation's local community, bolstering and maintaining a positive, neighborly relationship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Athletes compete in the 50-meter dash during the Kanto Plains Special Olympics (KPSO) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2023. The theme for the 44th annual KPSO was inclusion, which KPSO program managers and volunteers reinforced by exposing the athletes to different cultures during their engagement with the Special Olympics and its host organization, the 374th Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Athletes and their coaches practice for the flying disc competition during the Kanto Plains Special Olympics (KPSO) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2023. Approximately 90 athletes competed in eight sporting events at this year’s KPSO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Athletes shine in Kanto Plains Special Olympics

Published Nov. 14, 2023
By Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey
374th Airlift Wing

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

Athletes and volunteers convened from around the region to take part in the Kanto Plains Special Olympics, held at Yokota High School, Nov. 4.

The Kanto Plains Special Olympics allows those with intellectual or physical disabilities to hone physical fitness skills, develop interpersonal skills, and experience new cultures.

Throughout the day, athletes competed in eight competitions with support from their coaches, families, and volunteers from Team Yokota.