Hello everyone.
Today, a new sports event sponsored by the Okuma Social Welfare Council was held at the Okuma Link Exchange Facility (Linkru Okuma). Many local people, district staff members, and members of our Yumenomori Campus participated in the event, making it a lively and enjoyable event.

It's been three months since Manabiya Yumenomori returned to Okuma. The number of people greeting me everyday has increased. In this land of Okuma, the roots of Yumenomori are growing little by little. However, I feel that there is still a long way to go in order to truly take root in the community and nurture a richer and larger forest. I myself feel uneasy about whether I can properly stand on this ground with my own feet. However, today's tournament was a great opportunity to blow away such anxieties.

Gakudo no yanezo yaburan taiikusai
(The roof of the gym will be broken from everyones excitement)

Dozens of members gathered at Linkru Okuma. There are many people I met for the first time, and I was a little nervous. But I can't be fidgeting. The two ninth grade students, pictured above, started handing out their original business cards and start introducing themselves. As expected, it was a big deal. Even if you don't get involved, the circle of exchange will continue to expand.

"This illustration is cute, did you draw it yourself?" A caricature drawn on the business card sparks the conversation. "No, I had them draw it for me." "Oh, yes it looks just like you." When the tension was relieved, we started the team competitions in the sports tournament.

Here is an explanation of the new sports. New sports are physical exercises that were newly devised in the latter half of the 20th century and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or physical strength. Today, we are going to challenge 3 types: Go ball, Boccia, and Scutball. They taught us the rules and played ball! It looks easy at first glance, but it's quite difficult until you get the hang of it. "Hit it more softly." "Ahh! So close!" "Good luck!" Even though they are happy and sad about winning or losing, the unity of the members will naturally solidify through the games. Before you know it, it's time to finish. After taking a commemorative photo, they left Linkru Okuma, but promised to meet again. It was fun!

Tanabata is approaching.
Each facility in Okuma is decorated with bamboo stalks, and they look cool.

Today we all went to hang a strip of paper on which we wrote our wishes. If you take a peek to see what kind of wishes you have…
"I want 1 million yen".
Good to see everyone is keeping it realistic…

First of all, the fifth grade students went to the town hall residents section to hand out strips of paper so that many people could write their wishes. They also visited the mayor's office. When they entered the room nervously, the mayor stood up and greeted them kindly. Before asking for a strip of paper, it is customary to perform the business card exchange. Even the 5th grade students, who usually have the impression of going at their own pace, have sweat on their foreheads and look tense.

"Please write your wish on a strip of paper."

They handed an orange strip of paper directly to the mayor, mission complete. 
"I was so nervous! My hands were sweating!" said one 5th grade student who spoke with satisfaction on their flushed face.

It was a day where we met a lot of people and had a lot of "fun". However, Yumenomori does not end with just "connecting with the community". Based on these activities, I want to become a dream forest that "connects communities". That is our homework from now on.