MCAS IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Corps Air Station Schools’ swim team, the Tsunamis, hosted a friendly swim meet with the local Iwakuni Schools’ team, Ocean Swim, at IronWorks Gym pool, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 16, 2020.
Both of the schools’ athletes, grades K-12, made up two teams, the MCAS Iwakuni Tsunamis and Iwakuni City Ocean Swim. The two teams competed in various styles of relays including; 50 meter, 100 meter, 200 meter, 200 meter medley, and 200 meter freestyle.
“The over-arching purpose is to foster our friendship with the local Iwakuni teams and youth sports and for some friendly competition so the kids can test out their times. Our kids had an inner squad meet two weeks ago where they raced each other to prepare for this meet,” said Kelly Wilkinson, the head coach of the MCAS Iwakuni Tsunamis.
The swim meet was organized and conducted as a friendship competition to teach the students the meaning of sportsmanship. There was no prize, but at the end of the day each person walked away with a new perspective and respect for the other’s culture.
“It’s really fun to race kids from new teams. We have some really fast kids and really enjoy swimming against them,” said Wilkinson. “Both teams, from a time stand point, did really well.”
The Tsunamis and Ocean Swim both did really well. Unfortunately, The Tsunamis’ season has ended early due to the COVID-19 outbreak and also the recent DoDEA related travel restrictions. The season was previously due to end on March 28. For more information on the swim team and the next season, call Aquatics at IronWorks gym. Their DSN is 253-4966.