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Spirit of friendship, competition fuel coalition games

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shaun Emery
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTWEST ASIA --  Service pride and the competitive spirit were on full display at the first Coalition Games held here Sept. 17-20.

The games pitted members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing against its Navy, Army and Australian partners in events such as soccer, running, ping pong, basketball and even cardboard boat racing to determine a coalition champion.

When the dust settled, the Air Force came away as the overall winner, with the Australians coming in second, the Navy placing third, and the Army fourth.

The event, which started out small, quickly grew as 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron members took the opportunity to improve relations between all services.

"Although we're from different services, we all operate under the one team one fight concept," said Staff Sgt. Gilberto Salinas, 386th EFSS fitness specialist, who coordinated the event. "We wanted to improve the moral and welfare for all coalition forces and establish ties with sister-services."

The Australian forces jumped to an early lead in the competition, defeating the Air Force 2-0 in the opening night soccer finals.

A 5-k run kicked off the second day of competition. While the Australians tried to hold their lead, they would be unsuccessful.

Sergeant Daniel Ferguson, FSU Middle East physical training instructor, crossed the line first, but the Air Force won the team event and never looked back.

Sergeant Ferguson said it (the games) was a great opportunity to go head to head against their American counterparts.

"I love sports to begin with," he said. "But to go up against the other services is a great way to compete, make friends and break barriers."

He said his Australian team put up a good fight, but in the end it was the Air Force's numbers that assured them the victory.

"If they do this again, we'll be up for it," said Sergeant Ferguson. "We'll be better prepared next time."

As the competition continued into the weekend, participants met in more diverse events. A cardboard boat race started the weekend festivities. Teams entered their cardboard and plastic vessels with the hopes of making it across without sinking. Some were successful, some were not.
An all-star basketball game between the Air Force and the Navy was the final event of the games. While the Navy had a clear size advantage, the Air Force used its speed and clutch shooting to come out victorious.

"It was a real disappointing loss for us," said Postal Clerk 3rd Class, Calvin Carter from Navy Customs. "We thought we had it wrapped up and then they went on a run. Overall the Coalition Games were a real morale booster."

"I think the games were successful," said Sergeant Salinas. "We always encourage participation with our coalition partners and look to do more in the future. All participants seemed to enjoy the opportunity to show off their skills and to represent their branch, and prove who the best of the best."