Photo By Sgt. Daniel Jean-Paul | Children cheer on their teammates during the U.S-Japan Sports Exchange Jan. 21 aboard Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The event brought over 100 children from the local and military communities on Okinawa for a day friendly competition. The children competed in various American and Japanese games including tug of war, three-legged races and tamaire, a traditional Okinawan game. see less
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The Okinawa Defense Bureau hosted its annual U.S.-Japan Sports Exchange Jan. 21 aboard Camp Kinser.
Over 100 children from the local and military communities on Okinawa flooded the Kinser Fitness Center for a day of friendly competition.
Children from both communities were integrated into eight teams and competed in various Japanese and American games including three-legged races and tamaire, a traditional Japanese game played in Japanese schools.
“Today is all about having fun,” said Col. Christopher A. Feyedelem, Camp Kinser Commander, during his opening remarks. “The games are meant to not only promote completion but also promote friendship. Everyone should leave here, having made at least one new friend.”
Despite by the language barrier, the children were able to bond and form friendships through competition, teamwork and laughter.
These friendships are critical to the overall Japan-U.S. alliance, according to Urasoe City Mayor Tetsuji Matsumoto.
“Children are the future,” said Matsumoto. “The friendships built today will go a long way into boosting the longevity of the partnership between Okinawa and the United States of America.”
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