MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Famous teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls were present at the gym on Saturday for the closing ceremonies. The gym was overflowing with cameras and camcorders documenting the events that took place early that morning.
No, Iwakuni residents didn't see Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O'Neal. They saw there the role models of the future. The children from ages 5 through 15 who made up the children's basketball league this season.
The season started late January and ended late March. The season is an annual event that allows children to learn and develop the fundamentals of basketball.
After a successful season, all the children's efforts were honored with presentation of trophies to the players and the coaches.
"I believe this season was a success," said Jamie Buning, youth sports coordinator. "The most improvement is noticeable is in the players themselves. The children have really improved."
For some, personal rewards come from helping others and volunteering to help make a change in someone's life.
"First you go out here and focus more on teaching the basics of the game first," said Joe Harris volunteer coach for the 5-6 year old Chicago Bulls. "It is very hard trying to teach children because of their short attention span. At first, everyone started out doing their own thing. But later on, they turn into a team and playing together. What helps teach the children is making it a game, like keeping the ball away, try to take the ball away or see who can dribble the ball the most."
According to Lalonzo Chambers, coach of the 5-6 year old New York Knicks, "This is a good opportunity to give back to the community. I have been coaching for the past three years and it's great to look at the different skill level and abilities that they hone. Most coaches do it because they love kids and want to give something back."
However, the basketball season would not be possible without the eager players who participated in the season.
"This season I learned the fundamentals of the game better after playing a season of basketball," said Ryan Marshall, 15, forward for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Even though the season is not completely based on competition, those 10 years or older had the opportunity to taste competition.
Iwakuni's own Philadelphia 76ers played against different schools in the community, as well as teams from Yokota and other Pacific Rim teams. When it was all said and done the Sixers walked away with the title of tournament champions.
With the varying results of both competitive and noncompetitive aspects of the season, nothing would have been possible without the volunteers.
"One thing we really focused on this year was to try and make all the teams fair," said Buning. "But before the season started, we really had problems finding volunteer coaches. So we ask anyone who is interested, or that can offer any help, to let us know for the next season next year."