GPO holds kendama competition

Courtesy: Suzanne Perez, GPO

GPO held preliminary Kendama contests for Levels 4-5 (age group 17-25 years old & 26+ division). The 1st place winner of the 17-25 age group was Russell Cruz from Dededo. Russell walked away with $125 in cash courtesy of Twinkles Toy Store, a special gift from the Japan Consulate General's Office, a Japan Kendama Association regulation Kendama, an airline ticket to Japan from Japan Airlines with hotel accommodations provided by the Japan Kendama Association. Russell will represent Guam in the upcoming 2015 World Kendama Contest in Japan on September 12th & 13th.

The winner in the 26+ category was Billy Navarette from Yigo. He will also represent Guam in the upcoming 2015 World Kendama Contest in Japan on September 12th & 13th. Billy won $150 cash courtesy of Twinkles Toy Store, a special gift from the Japan Consulate General's Office, a Japan Kendama Association regulation Kendama, an airline ticket to Japan from Japan Airlines and hotel accommodations provided by the Japan Kendama Association.

The two day contest was judged by Hiroyuki Yano, the Japan Kendama Association Vice President. Mr. Yano is a Kendama-do 7th dan(honor). Taiga Ogawa joined Mr. Yano in teaching the participants new tricks and techniques. Taiga is the 2014 World Kendama Champion and is currently the best Kendama player in Japan.

This contest was significant in that Guam will have two representatives compete in the 2015 World Kendama Contest in Japan. This is a first for Guam.