For about an hour, the Puerto Rican players participated in a conversation session with students at Oroku High School in Okinawa, Japan, including members of the school’s baseball team.
The Puerto Rico National U-18 Baseball Team had an unforgettable experience on Monday as they visited Oroku High School in Okinawa, part of their stay in Japan for the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup.
Upon arriving at the school, the players were greeted with cheers and applause from dozens of students holding welcome signs and Puerto Rican flags. The festive atmosphere filled the hallways as the team toured the facilities, receiving a warm and emotional welcome.
For about an hour, the Puerto Rican players participated in a conversation session with students, including members of the school’s baseball team. During the activity, the Boricuas answered questions about their sports journey and Puerto Rican culture, while also asking the Japanese students about their school life, local cuisine, baseball and karate. The exchange was marked by joy, respect and camaraderie.
“This is an essential part of what national teams represent. I noticed the students at the public school in Okinawa were very enthusiastic,” said Efraín Williams, executive director of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation. “It was an unforgettable experience for everyone — very necessary — because cultural exchange is a key element of these events, and in that sense, it was a success.”
A notable detail was the cultural protocol observed before the session: the Puerto Rican players had to remove their shoes before entering the classroom, in accordance with Japanese tradition.
The experience held extra meaning, as the visiting athletes were mostly high school students themselves, allowing for a close and meaningful exchange with their peers at the high school.
AloJapan.com