Photo By Master Sgt. Darnell Cannady | The U.S. team pulls on a rope during the tug-of-war portion of the Friendship Games...... read more read more
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More than one hundred servicemembers from the U.S., United Arab Emirates, and several coalition nations participated in the Friendship Games Feb. 6, 2019, at Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE.
This semi-annual event used games to promote partnerships between the different countries.
“This is the one time of year where we all get together and participate in sports,” said Anthony Dalton, 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron fitness director. “We try to pick sports that each country has that they’re proud of, and that they’re good at, so we try to pick universal sports that everyone wants to compete in.”
The 380th EFSS worked with their coalition forces counterparts to coordinate and organize the games. It kicked off with a 4k run and included competitive events like basketball, soccer, a relay race, and tug-of-war matches.
“It’s called the Friendship Games but people come out here and they wanna win, they’re very competitive,” said Dalton. “People are very prideful when they leave here. Whether they’re first, second or third, they’re happy to participate in an event and represent their country.”
These games allow servicemembers to interact with and get to know each other in a universally-accepted environment.
“I believe these games are very important because it builds camaraderie between the countries and helps bridge the gap by getting to know one another on a personal level,” said Staff Sgt. William Hazelwood, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron launch and recovery supervisor and Friendship Games participant. “Participating in the Games with members from other countries was very exciting. Getting fellowship with other members, exchanging conversations and competing were the highlight of the games for me.”
Regardless of who won or lost, by building relationships through the Friendship Games ADAB was the true winner.
“When we come out here all together, we’re truly one force,” added Dalton. “Everyone talks with each other, everybody competes, so i just like the camaraderie that these events bring. I don’t think I've seen anything like that during my time working for the air force where all the countries come together and participate in sport."
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2019 05:30 |
| Story ID: | 310137 |
| Location: | AL DHAFRA, AE |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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