MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI. Japan -- Families gathered to participate in the Marine Corps Community Services Splash-and-Dash race at the WaterWorks pool here July 14, 2012.
The race’s objective was for participants in teams of fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, and mothers and daughters, to swim the length of the 50-meter pool, get out, get dressed and race around the
block.
“This is the first Splash-and-Dash event we have had,” said Mai Tajima, MCCS recreation specialist. “Kids swimming and running together with one of their parents as a team builds a good relationship, strong bonds and fond memories for families.”
Two different age categories competed in the race. The younger age group was from age nine and younger. The older age group was 10 and older.
“We had two age categories and they were 9 years old and under and 10 and over,” said Tajima. “Both groups had a 50-meter swim. The teams in the nine and under category ran one lap around the course, which is one kilometer. The 10 and over group ran 2k for their second part of the race.”
Strong moral values and sense of community can be established in children at a young age, and participating in athletic events with a parent can help children grow in body and mind, said Wendy Lewis, Splash-and-Dash participant.
“It's absolutely mandatory, as far as I'm concerned, for parents to get out and exercise with their kids,” said Lewis. “Then, in between exercises, they eat a healthy and nutritional diet. Participating in group activities and family-oriented events such as this will help our kids grow up to become healthy, strong-willed and competitive adults.”
As competitors pushed themselves, spectators encouraged them from the sidelines.
“I see everyone is enjoying themselves cheering for their families and the other competitors,” said Tajima. “This was a very familyfriendly event, as well as my first time putting on an event like this for kids, and I loved it. This gives me ideas on what other events we can put on in the future. So in the future the station residents can expect more events like this to participate in with their kids.”
The Splash-and-Dash is one of many events MCCS puts on for families aboard station. The participation of station residents is encouraged to build stronger community relations and to spend quality time with one’s family.