Station residents, Japanese compete in youth basketball tournament

Photo By Sgt. Aaron Henson | A Japanese athlete from Otake shoots a basketball during a tournament held for station residents and Japanese nationals at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 21, 2016. Forty-four athletes from Iwakuni, Hirata, Ohno, Otake and Mainland Sports Association-Iwakuni took to the courts to compete against each other in a series of basketball games. The association assists young athletes in building character by using basketball to promote academic interest, athletic skills and aims to support and empower athletes using experienced coaches to help develop character, teamwork and leadership traits. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

08.21.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

The Mainland Sports Association hosted a basketball tournament for station residents and Japanese nationals at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 21, 2016.

Forty-four athletes from Iwakuni, Hirata, Ohno, Otake and MSA-Iwakuni took to the courts to compete against each other in a series of basketball games.

“We participated in a friendship tournament against the Japanese,” said Nathan Scott, tournament participant. “My favorite part is discovering new talents from the local teams.”

Established in 2009 as a nonprofit organization and formerly known as the Mainland Basketball Association, MSA conducts off-base tournaments with the Japanese teams throughout the summer.

“This is our way of extending our hand and bringing the Japanese on base to communicate and build a stronger cultural bond,” said Ronnie Pride, MSA vice president. “When we play with the Japanese off base, they are very accommodating and welcoming. We want to do the same for them and build our relationship by doing something that the kids love, which is basketball.”

The association assists young athletes in building character by using basketball to promote academic interest, athletic skills and aims to support and empower athletes using experienced coaches to help develop character, teamwork and leadership traits.

“It’s always great when our two communities can get together,” said Sgt. Maj. Christopher J. Garza, station sergeant major. “We look forward to continuing this for many years to come and you’re always welcome here.”

• Date Taken: 08.21.2016
• Date Posted: 08.22.2016 02:44
• Story ID: 207831
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP