Team Vance hosts the Area 6 Special Olympics track and field event Published March 17, 2026 By Airman 1st Class Michaela Prince 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — On a warm Oklahoma morning athletes, volunteers and military members gathered at Vance Air Force Base to celebrate teamwork and perseverance during the Area 6 Special Olympics track and field event March 10, 2026. “The base and the Enid community have such a great relationship, so I was most excited to welcome everyone to Vance and help build that relationship,” said 1st Lt. Kaylee Heck, the event coordinator for Vance Air Force Base and a T-6 instructor pilot with the 8th Flying Training Squadron. Athletes participated in a variety of competitions designed to promote physical activity and celebrate individual achievement. Events ranged from running races to skill-based challenges, each tailored to ensure athletes of different abilities could compete and succeed. “It was an even better day than I imagined,” said Heck. “All the volunteers put in a lot of effort the last six months to make today happen. I’m grateful we were able to make it a memorable day for the athletes.” The Special Olympics event brought together athletes from across the region to compete in a variety of athletic activities while building relationships with Airmen and community volunteers. Throughout the day, participants cheered one another on, celebrated accomplishments and demonstrated the spirit of the Special Olympics movement. For many athletes, the opportunity to compete is about more than sports. Events like these provide a chance to build confidence, strengthen friendships and showcase their abilities in a supportive environment. Airmen from across the base volunteered their time to assist with everything from guiding competitors between events to cheering them on from the sidelines. Events like these create opportunities for Airmen to connect with the community they serve while reinforcing the Air Force core value of “Service Before Self.” “One thing that stood out to me was seeing how supportive and interactive the members were with one another and even with the volunteers,” said Airman 1st Class Mariah Jones, a force management technician with the 71st Force Support Squadron, and a volunteer at the event. “I was surprised to see how outgoing and happy everyone was to be here,” said Jones. “If I could, I would tell everyone who didn’t volunteer this year to volunteer for the next one.” The supportive atmosphere reinforced the core mission of the Special Olympics: empowering athletes and promoting acceptance through sport. For many volunteers, the experience proved just as meaningful as it was for the athletes. By working side-by-side with participants, Airmen were able to witness firsthand the determination and enthusiasm that define the Special Olympics community. “I’m blown away by how many volunteers we had and that our base has such a desire to selflessly volunteer for the benefit of the athletes,” Heck said. As the competitions ended and medals were awarded, athletes gathered with volunteers and supporters to celebrate the day’s accomplishments. Smiles, cheers and high-fives marked the end of the event, but the impact of the experience continues on in all who participated.