SAGAMIHARA, Japan – About 150 American and Japanese children participated in a soccer and cheerleading clinic here Friday to increase cultural understanding.
The clinic was the first event co-sponsored by the U.S. Army Garrison Japan and the Zama Junior Chamber.
To kick off the event, USAG Japan Deputy Commander Jennifer L. Peterson thanked everyone who participated in the free clinic and volunteered, and Ebina Minerva’s professional soccer players and children I trained for.
“I’m glad that so many participants came from Zama City,” he said. “We hope that through this sports exchange, we will further deepen our friendship with the local community.”
Hayato Inoue, president of the Zama Junior Chamber, said he would like to thank the Garrison for their cooperation in holding the event at the playground next to Earn Elementary School.
“We would like to provide this kind of exchange opportunity to children in Japan and the United States.” [with] Interact with each other, expose them to different cultures and languages, and give them a global perspective,” he said. “That’s why we organized this event.”
Children from grades 1 to 6 from Erne Elementary School and local Japanese schools were invited to the event.
Participants were divided into teams and practiced various drills such as passing and catching footballs and the 40-yard dash, while another group of children practiced cheering on the other side of the field.
Hidekazu Kan brought his daughter and son to a soccer training session with professional soccer players and morale, welfare, and recreation staff.
He said his children learned about the event after flyers were distributed at their school, adding that his daughter was keen to come because she has a strong interest in American culture.
Kan said, “I want my children to have an international experience.” “Since it is nearby, we took this opportunity to let our children experience this binational event.”
Bryn Riley, spouse of a 1st Corps (Forward) soldier, had her two sons practice soccer while her daughter cheered and then performed for the crowd to conclude the event.
“I feel like we kind of live in a bubble here,” she said. [our children] This is to meet Japanese children. ”
Riley said families often participate in public submission events to provide children with an opportunity to expand their understanding of Japanese culture.
Despite the language barrier, Riley said her children will also make friends with random Japanese children who attend these events and introduce them to her.
“They always come back and say, ‘These are my friends,’ and I ask, ‘What’s their name?'” And they say, ‘I don’t know, but they’re my friends. ”, she said with a laugh. “It’s good for them to know that no matter where we are, kids are kids.”
Related Links:
U.S. Army Garrison News in Japan
USAG Japan official website