Growing relations: Grassroots hosts sports day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Team Ramstein members partnered with the Fussballverein Ramstein Fußball Club A-Team for a sports day at FV Olympia Field, Ramstein-Miesenbach, June 24.

More than 25 Airmen and soccer players played soccer, ultimate football and ate together during the Grassroots program event.

The Grassroots program objective is to involve Airmen socially in the local community, forge friendships, and raise awareness of German culture and general understanding.

Senior Airman Benjamin Keegan, 86th Operations Support Squadron weather forecast craftsman, said the event was great and thinks it’s important to learn the German culture since he lives in Germany.

“It’s different than being in the U.S. where we’re amongst ourselves,” Keegan said. “We’re showing a little respect that we want to embrace their culture a little bit and embrace the sport they hold so dear to them. Then, as well as being able to share our sports and our food; it’s a nice opportunity to have some fun on the weekend and socialize in a new culture.”

Grassroots is a new program initiated by the 86th Airlift Wing Host Nation office, Public Affairs community engagement team and Chaplain Corps.

Benjamin Hüge, FV Ramstein Fußball Club A-Team captain, said having more and more of these events will help build friendships.

“I liked it, it was very fun,” he said. “There are not a lot of opportunities to do something together. The German-American Sports Day was a good possibility to leave the comfort zone and get in touch. It was a better idea to mix the teams [during the games] so we pass and talk to each other.”

In addition to sports days, future volunteer events aim to enhance community relations with Ramstein single Airmen through book readings, crafts, and humanitarian efforts.

For more information on Grassroots or on hosting an event, contact the 86th AW Public Affairs community engagement team at 480-9196.