By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

THE Ambivalence Track and Field Club of Kawasaki, Japan concluded its two-day clinic on Saipan yesterday leaving NMI athletes with new techniques in running, throwing and jumping.
The clinic started last Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Oleai Sports Complex’ track and field facility until yesterday noon.
The Japanese group led by coach Kanao Takashi taught the NMI athletes drills related to hurdles, sprints, middle distance running and throwing events.
Although, language was a barrier, Takashi and eight other members of the club were able to show the NMI athletes the Japanese-style of training in athletics.
“This was our first time to teach athletes of other countries and we were very happy because they have a good attitude. They want to learn and we hope that in the coming years, these young athletes will improve a lot,” Takashi said.
NMI athletes have been to a couple of athletics clinics, but the seminar with the Japanese group was very different from the ones they had it the past.
”These techniques are new ones used by Japanese athletes,” Takashi said.
The techniques include the proper use of various group of muscles while running or doing the hurdles. The Japanese group also taught the NMI athletes how to relax these muscles to prevent injuries.
They demonstrated cooling off techniques and pointed out which muscles should be used in specific activities.
About 20 athletes attended the two-day clinic, and most of them were student-athletes.
“We’re happy to see young people attend this activity. It’s great to teach them when they are still young,” Takashi said.
After the first clinic last Saturday, the Northern Marianas Athletics treated the Japanese to a dinner at the Minachom Atdao Pavilion.
NMA also presented a plaque of recognition to the club for taking the time to share their expertise in athletics.
“This was a great experience for our athletes. They learned different techniques, which they don’t usually learn in an ordinary clinic. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and we hope to see you again next year,” NMA official Lou Wabol said during the dinner.