Daisy Elliott competes in the discus throw during the Special Olympics Kanto Plains Games at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Daisy Elliot was among 101 young athletes from across Japan who gathered at this western Tokyo airlift hub this weekend for the 45th Special Olympics Kanto Plains Games.

Elliot, a Yokota High School student, read the Olympic oath during Saturday’s opening ceremony in front of 350 people attending the games. Later, she participated in discus throwing. A Japanese athlete read the same oath in Japanese.

“It seems like a great opportunity for kids to be able to interact with their peers, other special needs athletes, students and event participants, and it’s great,” said Daisy’s father, Stacey Elliott, civilian employee of the Ministry of Defense. at the event.

The athletes came from the Kanto Plain, the region that encompasses the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, and from Department of Defense schools at U.S. bases in Japan.

They competed in more than 12 events, including bowling, swimming, track and field, football and basketball, said Air Force Master Sgt. Kenneth Welch, Chairman of Special Olympics Kanto Plains.

“Some of these people have traveled 10 and a half hours to come here to participate in this event, and some athletes have been participating since they were 6 years old, so we are honored to continue to support this tradition,” he said. told Stars and Stripes at the event.

Daisy Elliot has attended every Kanto Plains Special Olympics since 2019.

“Every athlete comes here and has a goal in mind that they are trying to achieve,” Tech said. Sgt. Yusuf Neal, Secretary of the Kanto Plains Special Olympics. “For a lot of them, they don’t necessarily come here to win a medal or anything. Many of them come here to meet the other athletes and just have fun.

The day-long event began with a ceremony and parade of athletes along the high school track.

Nanami Sugimoto of Tama City, Tokyo, competes in the long jump during the Special Olympics Kanto Plains Games at Yokota Air Base, Japan, November 9, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Arissa Landry competes in the long jump during the Special Olympics Kanto Plains at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Athletes and volunteers pose during the Special Olympics Kanto Plains Games at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Tomoya Sakamoto of Ome City, Tokyo, receives a medal for the 100 meters during the Special Olympics Kanto Plains Games at Yokota Air Base, Japan, November 9, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Strip )

Naoya Isegawa of Fuchu City, Tokyo, competes in the 100 meters during the Special Olympics Kanto Plains at Yokota Air Base, Japan, November 9, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

“The spirit of collaboration and dedication that fueled this effort embodies the true meaning of perseverance and perseverance,” said Col. Brett Cochran, 374th Airlift Wing deputy commander, during the ceremony. opening.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Operations Support Wing Commander Col. Hiroyuki Ishii and Fussa City Mayor Ikuo Kato also spoke.

“I love seeing athletes work hard when they take on the challenge of playing sports,” Kato told the crowd. “I will do my best to support you so that you can obtain the results of your daily practice in each of your competitions. »

After the events concluded, the athletes and their families gathered at the Yokota Officer’s Club for closing ceremonies and dinner.

“Every year this event gets better and more heartwarming,” said Stacey Elliott. “We love it, we enjoy it and we plan to participate again in the future.” »