TORII STATION, OKINAWA , JAPAN — September 2, 2005 — DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam announced high school softball and baseball programs will begin this school year in the Okinawa District.

18 th Service and MCCS came forward to offer their support and work with DoDDS Okinawa to ensure the playing fields meet the necessary requirements to guarantee the safety of the athletes. Teams will be comprised of women’s junior varsity and varsity softball and men’s junior varsity and varsity baseball at Kubasaki and Kadena High School. Teams will complete amongst themselves as well as Japanese high schools and club teams on Okinawa.

“This represents a win-win for all involved over the past three years in the development of this program. The dedication and commitment by volunteers and parents in establishing a high school baseball and softball program on Okinawa was incredible,” said Dr. Nancy Bresell, Director for DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam. “Everyone has done a remarkable job in coordinating their efforts to put this program in place. This represents an excellent example concerning the importance of our school community partnerships that we witness throughout the Pacific. Without the dedication and support of 18 th Services and MCCS, we would not have been able to offer this outstanding opportunity to our students. I am honored to be part of this unique and magnificent program and wish the players and coaches success,” explained Dr. Bresell.

“We’re very much excited about being able to support this important initiative. Having the ability to participate in both softball and baseball provides an added benefit because students have the opportunity to come together and hopefully compete against various host nation schools on island, enriching their athletic, academic and cultural experiences while living overseas. I commend the parents and volunteers who worked very hard to move this program forward,” said, Brig. General Jan-Marc Jouas, Commander 18 Wing, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

“They did a remarkable job in creating this program. I am humbled by the unbelievable amount of time and energy parents and volunteers contributed to enhance the quality of education within our schools,” said Dr. Gayle Vaughn-Wiles, Superintendent, DoDDS Okinawa District.