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CGOC host Special Olympics basketball tournament

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Company Grade Officer's Council sponsored a Special Olympics basketball tournament Jan. 12 at the Tyndall Fitness Center.

"This is a new event we're very happy to do with Special Olympics Florida and particularly the athletes in Bay County," said 1st Lt. Michelle Laning, Air Force Research Laboratory project manager and scientist and the Company Grade Officer's Council community service chair.

The council is hopeful the tournament will grow into an annual event.

"Special Olympics Florida is a fantastic organization that provides athletes with mental disabilities the opportunity to compete in sporting events, which enable them to grow in character, talent and sportsmanship," said Lieutenant Laning, native of Lindenhurst, Ill. "CGOC is always looking for ways to get involved with the community and help out with service events. We're thrilled to have teamed up with Special Olympics to provide the facility and volunteers with some outstanding support from the base and we're confident this was a great event for all the athletes and their families."

More than 15 athletes and their families attended with individuals coming in from around Bay County and even a few from Tyndall.

"Shooting is my favorite part of basketball," said Joe Orona, 27, native of Lynn Haven. "I also compete in volleyball and track and field."

The event also featured nearly two dozen volunteers from the CGOC, who helped with scorekeeping, timing, base escort and cheering on of the athletes.

"The CGOC is an organization comprised of all company grade officers," said Lieutenant Laning. "We strive to provide meaningful opportunities for growth, professional development, community service, and networking for young officers."

The CGOC is extremely active on base and off, she added

"The CGOC hosts events for professional development, community involvement and networking," said Lieutenant Laning. "Our major fundraiser is the annual Tynman Triathlon in the fall. We have quarterly social events, monthly community service activities, and quarterly professional development opportunities. Most recently we held a Chief's Panel, a Permanent Change of Station and Vulnerable Mover's List "How do I move" brief with Lt. Col. Kyle Head, and have an upcoming senior officer's panel."

The CGOC holds monthly meetings at 11:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Heritage Club. For more information about the council contact Lieutenant Laning at (850) 283- 9720 or 1st Lt. Stephanie Langley, CGOC vice preseident, at (850) 283- 2682.