MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- With a sharp "Crack!" of the pistol, the competitors exploded from their starting places. Arms, lungs and hearts pumped as steady strides ate up yards of track. As the contestants raced neck-to-neck, spectators shouted encouragement. Seconds later, a group of breathless 5-year-olds sprinted across the finish line.
More than 60 children ages five through 15 competed in the Station's second annual track and field meet. The meet was held Saturday at the Northside track in conjunction with the Month of the Military Child's Kid Fest.
"I think [the children] are excited to be out here participating today," said Semper Fit Youth Sports Coordinator Jamie D. Buning. "I like to see the kids outside exercising, away from their video games."
Children of Station residents, along with more than 25 Japanese schoolchildren, competed in the following events: 100-meter dash (all ages); shot put and javelin competition (ages 7-15); softball throw and standing long jump (ages 5-9); 1600-meter run, running long jump, discus throw and 400-meter dash (ages 10-15); 200-meter dash (ages 7-9); and an 800-meter run (ages 10-12.)
The children were allowed to compete in a maximum of three events for score, but as many as they wished for the sake of competition, said Buning.
The young competitors, accompanied by their parents/coaches, moved about between event stations. Although a handful of the children prepared for the events, most said they came for the chance to have some fun and enjoy the free snacks and drinks.
Daniel Ortiz, 12, competed in the 1600 and 800-meter runs. "I like racing," he said, and credited his mile time of 6 minutes 3 seconds to daily training, and coaching from his father and some friends. "At the end of this run, they really pushed me and encouraged me and David [Kriev] to go faster," he said.
Ortiz, who favors running in colder weather, was fairly pleased with his competition and the variety of events available. However, he said that he hopes for hurdles to be included in next year's meet.
Until then, Ortiz can take advantage of other variety offered by the Station's Youth Sports Program. According to Buning, the program offers four standard sports throughout the year: baseball, football, soccer and basketball. Special upcoming events also include a golf camp, fishing trips and a soccer camp, she added.
For more information regarding activities hosted by the Youth Sports Program, please call 253-3239.