CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea -- Americans and Koreans gathered for a day of fun at the Strike Zone Bowling Center here April 28.
The friendly competition began with more than 100 bowlers rolling the first match. Those who scored in the top 16 moved to the final round. Jung, Wang-su came in first, but according to Yu, Seong-ok, the day's emphasis was on friends made, not pins dropped.
Yu is president of the Pyeongtaek chapter of People to People International, which helped sponsor the event. People to People International was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and promotes understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities.
"I thank all the Soldiers, family members and civilians, the People to People International families, and the residents of Pyeongtaek who participated and made this day a success," Yu said.
John Strong, a Humphreys civilian who finished third, agreed that the chance to build friendships was the most important part of the event.
"I decided to participate in the competition because I have attended events before that promoted American and Korean friendship and I had a great time," he said. "I heard about the bowling competition that promoted American and Korean relations and I like to bowl. So I had to come be a part of the event. You never know where you will find your friends."
Participants enjoyed free food throughout the event and prizes were given. Along with the bowling, it made for a wonderful day, according to Jonathan McCray, a Humphreys Soldier.
"I thought this competition gave a lot of Soldiers a good chance to participate in a friendly game with Koreans and I enjoyed it," he said. "It was pretty interesting watching some of the Korean competitors bowl because there were a lot of different techniques and styles of bowling. I think this day had a good impact on American-Korean relations."
Lee, Chang-ho, a Korean Augmentee to the United States Army stationed on Humphreys, said bowling is something anyone can enjoy and that the event "made for good times between the two Armies."
Strong added, "I met some KATUSAs from Humphreys and had a great time talking to them. I also met a wonderful Korean family. It was very nice to have met them. I would like to say 'thank you' to the organization that sponsored and prepared this event. I and everyone I talked with had a great time."
Related Links:
United States Army Garrison Humphreys website
United States Army Garrison Humphreys on Facebook
United States Army Garrison Humphreys on Flickr
@ROKreport: Korea news summary
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