FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 13, 2016) -- Twelve hundred athletes and even more volunteers took part in the third annual Exceptional Family Member Program field day, hosted by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
The competitors consisted of local homeschoolers and students from Fort Benning, Muscogee and Harris counties in Georgia and Phenix City and Russell County schools in Alabama. Volunteers were made up of high school students, teachers, assistants, military spouses, Soldiers and DA Civilians.
Events included track races, lawn bowling, basketball, softball, wheelchair games, bocce and much more. Hardee's donated food for the attendees.
The event began with an opening ceremony, including remarks from Brig. Gen. Eric Wesley, commanding general, and Col. Andrew Hilmes, garrison commander. The opening remarks concluded with the lighting of the Olympic Torch, with assistance from Ethan Colley from Faith Middle School.
"This is just a great reflection of an amazing community and this is just another indicator of what happens when we as a great community work together," Wesley said.
Wesley thanked teachers, parents, DFMWR and everyone for their love and commitment to the student athletes.
Capt. Tom Minor, a student of the Maneuver Captains Career Course, said he was thankful to have the opportunity to volunteer and help the student athletes.
"Anytime we can help out the kids is a good thing," he said. "As a soon-to-be father, I hope one day my kid can come out and do something like this, and be part of an organization like ours that gives back to the community."
Nick Brundidge, 17, a student athlete from Shaw High School, said he enjoys the event because it is fun to be with everyone and stay fit.
"I'm trying to win this for ... not only me, but the whole Shaw High School (and) for Muscogee County as well," he said as he was about to play softball.
Staff Sgt. William Seppala of 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, father of Joseph Seppala of Dexter Elementary School, said he likes to go to the field day to support his son and the other Families. Joseph provided sign language during the opening ceremony.
Kelli Iversen, who teaches in the autism classroom at Midland Middle School, and Cheryl Huguley, a paraprofessional also at Midland Middle School, said there were seven students and seven volunteers from their school at the field day.
"It's so much fun to see them so happy," Huguley said.
"We're in confined classrooms so for them to get out and be able to socialize with other kids ... it's very good," Iversen added.
For a photo gallery of the day's events, visit http://tinyurl.com/zt2yfq2.
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