Daegu CYS provides cultural exchange experience with youth baseball tournament

By Melissa DiehlSeptember 29, 2022

Daegu CYS and Korean youth baseball players celebrate the end of the tournament at Kelly Field on Camp Walker, Republic of Korea. The tournament is part of a cultural exchange experience organized by the Daegu CYS staff.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Daegu CYS and Korean youth baseball players celebrate the end of the tournament at Kelly Field on Camp Walker, Republic of Korea. The tournament is part of a cultural exchange experience organized by the Daegu CYS staff. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Melissa Diehl) VIEW ORIGINAL
A player on the Daegu CYS baseball team receives a pitch from a player on a Korean team during a tournament at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea. The tournament is part of a cultural exchange experience organized by the Daegu CYS staff.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A player on the Daegu CYS baseball team receives a pitch from a player on a Korean team during a tournament at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea. The tournament is part of a cultural exchange experience organized by the Daegu CYS staff. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Melissa Diehl) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP WALKER, Republic of Korea – U.S. Army Garrison Daegu Child & Youth Services (CYS) hosted more than 130 Korean youth for a baseball tournament as part of a cultural exchange experience on Sept. 24.

The bracket play tournament for players aged 7-15 years old included Daegu CYS baseball teams and several Korean teams. The tournament provided the opportunity for teams to play multiple games against each other, and in the spirit of camaraderie Korean players were invited to compete on the Daegu CYS teams for each game. Throughout the day, CYS staff and the Camp Walker USO served up snacks and a barbeque style lunch. As the tournament concluded, players on all teams were given medals to commemorate the day.

A member of the U.S. Army Garrison Daegu CYS staff presents metals to players on a Korean team playing in a tournament at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea. The tournament is part of a cultural exchange experience organized by the Daegu CYS staff.
A member of the U.S. Army Garrison Daegu CYS staff presents metals to players on a Korean team playing in a tournament at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea. The tournament is part of a cultural exchange experience organized by the Daegu CYS staff. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Melissa Diehl) VIEW ORIGINAL

When explaining the intent of organizing the event, CYS Youth Sports & Fitness Specialist Kiesha Loftin, stated, “The event is based on community relations and the cultural exchange. It allows our youth and the Korean youth to see the difference in the culture, both coming on to Camp Walker and having a chance to visit Korean facilities and fields.”

As part of the cultural exchange, Daegu CYS teams are given the opportunity to play on a Korean baseball field. On August 27, Daegu CYS baseball players were invited to a tournament at Gangbyeon Little Baseball Stadium in Daegu. For most of the Daegu coaches and players, it was the first time experiencing Korean sports facilities and fields. During the day, teams were served a Korean style lunch and presented with gift bags. Daegu CYS players are scheduled to play again on the same field in October.

The Daegu CYS staff has made cultural experiences a priority in the program. Similar events have been held with the youth soccer and basketball programs and will continue with other sports in the future.

Daegu CYS offers a variety of sports and activities throughout the year. USAG Daegu community members can call their office at 0503-363-4548 for more information.