Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed | Col. Sheila A. Bryant, Commander, 10th Regional Support Group, talks with members of...... read more read more
TORII STATION, Okinawa, Japan. – In the spirit of the Olympics more than 50 Soldiers and their family members from the 10th Regional Support Group participated in Sobe Sports Day at the Sobe Community Athletic Field July 29th in Yomitan Village.
The sports day featured activities you would see in a track and field event. Soldiers competed in sprint and middle distance runs, long and triple jump events and the high jump alongside their Japanese neighbors. The day provided a great opportunity to bridge the gap between Americans and Japanese.
“I like to meet new people and it’s great because we get to know them and their culture,” said Spc. Timothy Nabonne, a computer technology specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company 10th RSG. “It shows a different side by allowing us to socialize with our host community through sports.”
The Sobe Sports Committee was excited about this year’s event because “the last two were canceled due to typhoons,” said Sobe Ward Chief, Norihiko Ikehara. During his opening address to the hundreds in attendance Ikehara added “We’re glad to have our neighbors participate today from Torii Station and look to have fun during today’s events.”
Before and even during the races it was common to see Soldiers greet their counterparts with a general shake of hands. In some cases a “high-five” was given followed by the words, “good luck or good race.” from the Japanese competitors. In a show of friendship and unity a few competitors chose to cross the finish line together.
No matter if they finished first or last the crowd cheered for each athlete on the field. The spectators seemed even more elated to have Soldiers as well as their dependents on hand. The track side audience showed their support by striking taiko drums as the runners passed by.
The local winners in the Sobe district will move on to the regional event. For Soldiers who competed they did not take home first, second, or third place awards but were given a certificate along with a medal during the awards ceremony.
Col. Sheila A. Bryant, Commander, 10th Regional Support Group, was the guest speaker for the closing ceremony. It was an opportunity for her to address the community since arriving last week as the Army on Okinawa’s 23rd commander. “I’d like to thank you for inviting us and we look forward to many more events that allow us to partner with our local community” said Bryant.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.01.2012 21:44 |
| Story ID: | 92530 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, AICHI, JP |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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