At the beginning of the season Pax River Executive Officer Capt. Steve Schmeiser stated, ‘‘NAS Pax River will gladly continue the support of Special Olympics in St Mary's County.

Chief of Police John Romer worked with local Special Olympics volunteers to set up and monitor a training location aboard the base that offered a warm-up area, straight-aways, turns, and hills. Officers monitor the training site each week to keep athletes safe. They have also joined the athletes in riding the courses during training.”

This year’s cycling program was the largest in local history, attracting 36 cyclists on 2-wheel, three-wheel, and hand-controlled bikes.

Volunteers with the program include NAS civilian employees, local contractor employees, and active duty personnel. Their efforts to maintain a safe training environment is helping the athletes of all ages prepare for local and state competitions.

About 25 athletes will continue to the state competition to be held at the end of September.

Coach J.R. Russell, MPRA deputy platform coordinator for VX-20, is thankful for the support of Pax River. ‘‘The athletes are training in 500 meter, 1K, 2K, 5K, and 10K distances and this environment allows them to practice regardless of their experience levels. The athletes have improved tremendously this year.”

Those interested in helping with sports training programs in the local area should contact the County Director Mary Lu Bucci at 301-373-3469 or email somdsmc@md.metrocast.net, or visit stmarysso.org.