Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Kirby | Participants take their positions at the Naha New Port Wharf prior to the 39th annual...... read more read more
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NAHA NEW PORT WHARF, Japan - The crowd grew still and silent as they watched competitors tensely grip their oars.
Moments later the silence was shattered by an instantaneous eruption of splashing and cheering as the 39th annual Naha Haarii Festival commenced at the Naha New Port Wharf May 5.
The race came into existence hundreds of years ago when villages made their own boats and raced as a way to honor the god of the sea, and celebrate and pray for productive fishing and maritime safety.
Each race consisted of three boats competing in a 400-meter lap relay. The race attracts a variety of national and international competitors.
The single Marine program has participated in the race for approximately 13 years as a way to experience the culture.
Three months before the race the SMP team began practicing the techniques and fundamentals of rowing alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s explosive ordnance disposal team.
“We started off rowing about 100 meters and gradually worked our way up to 600 meters,” said Lance Cpl. Randall B. O’Neil, a member of the SMP team and a field wireman with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
The SMP team enjoys the competitive nature of the race, but finds the event to be more than a competition, according to Randolph Mitchell, the SMP program director.
“It gives them an opportunity to experience more activities on Okinawa and get involved with SMP,” said Mitchell.
Participating in events like this demonstrates how Marines strive to learn more about their overseas home.
“The Marines are guests here,” said Satsuki Fraling, a single Marine program coordinator and one of the coaches for the SMP team. It’s good when they go outside of their bases and see the different things that are offered in town and build a good relationship within the community.”
Community members also found the event to be a good chance for Americans to show support for the traditions of their host nation, according to Masashi Kinjyo, a member of the Ryukyu Yosemiya team.
“We do this more for fun, and we keep doing it because it brings everyone together,” said Kinjyo.
Although the SMP team did not finish well, they had a blast during the competition, according to Fraling.
“Dragon boat racing is harder than it looks,” said Fraling. “It takes a lot of coordination to get 32 people to row at the same time.”
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2013 23:14 |
| Story ID: | 107092 |
| Location: | NAHA NEW PORT WHARF, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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