MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- Members of the local and U.S. military communities attended an open wrestling tournament at the Semper Fit Gym, Feb. 1, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
Hosted by Marine Corps Community Services, the event was open to participants island-wide 16 and older.
“Wrestling teaches me a lot about life and how to be a better Marine,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brennan Slater, a native from Norwich New York, and a motor transport operator with 9th Engineer Support Battalion.
“In life you have to work hard to achieve what you want, and it is the same with wrestling because it is just you out on the mat.” Lance Cpl. Brennan Slater, a motor transport operator
The event served to bring communities together for a day to show off one’s athletic ability and talents against participants in some friendly competition.
“MCCS holds various sport events for military personnel, families, and civilians to strengthen the camaraderie with the opportunity to compete against one another,” said Jon Durrett, the sports coordinator for MCCS.
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Photo by Lance Cpl. Karis Mattingly
U.S. Navy sailor receives assistance after a match during an open wrestling tournament at the Semper Fit Gym, Feb. 1.
“Individual awards are given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place competitors in each weight class because it gives them a sense of accomplishment,” he said.
The tournament pushed athletes to their limit with an opportunity to show it off on the mat. MCCS brought the athletes a unique chance to compete and build relationships with other military members.
“During the tournament I made a lot of new friends, talked to a lot of different people and just kind of rolled around and had a lot of fun,” said Slater. “The thing with wrestling and being in the Marine Corps is people who are around you have the same mindset. It’s just so easy to connect with them, talk to them and have a good time. The things we are provided with by MCCS are awesome, and I am very grateful to them for hosting these events.”
The mission of MCCS is to make Okinawa home by providing a premium yet cost-effective menu of Quality of Life programs and services designed to meet the needs of Marines and their families.