Participants gathered Tama Hills from half past six, they practiced at driving range and took breakfast. Opening ceremony was held on practice green at 6:30. President Toutake said "we appreciate you to participate in this competition, and thank you very much for staffs of Tama Hills, you provide us good course condition. Though thunder storm is forecasted, I hope this good weather continue. Enjoy golfing!." Then Gen.Rice had speech "I' m glad to have second participation since my arrival. On behalf of USAF airmen, I would like to say thank you to spend time with JAAGA members, our best friends. Condittion is better than last time, let's make our best for our friendship. Hit straight and long!"(outline). And Mr.Fuchigami as representative of associate members, his son is marine of U.S. Marine Corps, said "It's my honor to join this competition. I'll try hard to not be defeated by Gen.Rice".
Each party of US-Japan mixture moved to each starting teeing ground and started playing with horn signal at 7:00. Participants could have good score because of good weather condition, and deepen friendship each others.
After competition we took lunch while enjoying conversation, then award ceremony was held at club house. Prize winners of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, lowest gross, booby, closest to pin (4), longest drive (2) and others were received awards. Whenever a prize was conferred, a big shout of joy broke out here and there.
President Tohtake had closing speech, "we could have good weather and enjoy playing golf, I think. And I would like to say thank you again for that Gen.Rice and USAF airmen joined SPORTEX, and course staffs and volunteers supported well. I have business trip to U.S.A. from tomorrow, I will talk about today's SPORTEX to honorary members there. Hope to meet you again in March next year!" After then, commander Rice said "I would like to thank to all for providing us marvelous day, volunteers and course staffs. I'm looking forward to next SPORTEX."(outline) SPORTEX'08A was closed with great success! (Reported by secretariat Harada)
