MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, residents participated in the 8th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. 2.5k run or walk on Jan. 16, 2016.
The Youth and Teen Center started this event in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to provide residents another opportunity to be active within the community.
“This is an annual event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and get the kids involved to let them know the importance of this holiday,” said Eugene Clark, YTC director. “My favorite part about this event is seeing all the youth that decided to show up and participate with their parents. Seeing the kids going on the 2.5 kilometer run-walk, making it to the end and feeling good about themselves was a happy moment for me.”
A total of 68 residents engaged in this event and helped encourage each other during the run or walk.
“Seeing the amount of little kids who didn’t have complete awareness about what this was for but were willing to come and support shows a lot about the community,” said Hailey Ge, event participant. “This was really fun and it is different every year.”
The YTC provides station residents with opportunities to participate and volunteer for events.
“People should get out and experience the opportunities around them like this run-walk with their kids,” said Cpl. Norgie Casillas Bermudez, aviation ordnance systems technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12. “It helps build a stronger bond within their family and shows the community that they are participating in different things . . . these events are always fun.”
Clark said he believes that kids should come out to these events with their parents and volunteer at a younger age so they will continue to volunteer for the rest of their lives.
For more information on future events, contact the YTC at 253-6454.