OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- U.S. service members stationed all over the Republic of Korea traveled to Osan Air Base, Sept. 28, 2012, to compete against each other and bring home a championship title.

More than 250 volunteers and athletes from Osan, Daegu and Kunsan air bases, as well as Yongsan Army Garrison competed for a chance to win in the annual Sports Day event hosted by the Osan Junior Enlisted and the Air Force Sergeants Association.

"I think [Sports Day] contributes hugely to esprit de corps, camaraderie, unit identity," said Chief Master Sgt. Brendan Criswell, 51st Fighter Wing command chief. "I think this type of contact that we have together is what we need more of. I'm so glad that you're out here with us today to share this."

The chief encouraged everyone who participated to be safe, fight hard, and win or lose with lots of passion.

The battle between the bases began with a 5K fun run and led into a morale barbeque for the competitors and volunteers. Tournaments included basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, bowling, dodge ball and football.
"Events like this provide an opportunity to get to know each other on a personal basis," said Airman 1st Class Samuel Aspiranti III, 7th Air Force executive communications technician and OJEC vice president. "This event brought several bases together. Building relationships beyond day-to-day work with each other strengthens our effectiveness. I think this is something that should happen more frequently."

Yongsan took third in the day's events and won the dodge ball portion of the competition. Kunsan ranked second after winning in basketball, but Osan won overall in softball, football, soccer, bowling and volleyball.

The annual event has been a three-year tradition between Kunsan and Osan, Osan taking the championship two of the three years so far, but this year was opened up for the first time to Daegu and Yongsan.

The trophy this year is also new, Staff Sgt. Andrea Alderete, First Term Airman Center NCO in charge, said.

"For this year's trophy, wanted to create something different to stand out," she explained. "Especially now that we are including the other bases, we wanted it to be new and big."

Osan will hold on to the first place trophy until next year's competition scheduled to be held next summer at Kunsan.

"Competition leads to excellence and excellence is what we are all about," Criswell said.