CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Members of the local and military communities gathered for the Foster Powerlifting Competition at the Community Center Dec. 17 aboard Camp Foster.
During the Marine Corps Community Services sponsored event, contestants competed in three different events: squats, bench press and deadlift.
“It’s great to bring in the local community,” said Sonny Jones, the adult sports coordinator for MCCS. “We are always trying to look for ways to incorporate the local community into our events.”
Local competition groups like Odagawa Fitness Pro Group added an extra layer of competition for the Marines in the event.
“This is another community to be a part of,” said Cpl. Hunter Jordan III, a cyber network operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Lifting helps all of us come together in our own way and bond.”
Certified Okinawa powerlifting officials ensured the competition was up to International Powerlifting Federation standards. Monitors on stage displayed the name of the current lifter and the weight they were attempting. Athletes were awarded three tries in each event to lift their designated weight, while friends and other competitors cheered them on.
“This is the most organized and technologically advanced meet that I’ve participated in on Okinawa,” said Jordan. “It feels so official.”
MCCS plans to make the powerlifting competition a two-day, Pacific-wide tournament in the future, bringing athletes from the Republic of Korea and mainland Japan.
For more information about events like this, call the MCCS athletics department at 098-970-3434.