U.S. Army Soldiers Share Strength and Smiles During Children’s Sports Day in Poland

POZNAN, Poland - U.S. Army soldiers partnered with Polish elementary students for a day of athletic competition here June 1, reinforcing community ties in the NATO-allied nation during a local Children's Sports Day celebration.

This visit is part of a growing relationship between U.S. Army Garrison Poland and local schools. Last holiday season, students and staff performed a Christmas carol concert during the garrison's tree lighting ceremony, a gesture deeply appreciated by military personnel and their families.

This year's sports day, organized by the school, brought together 200 students ranging from ages 7 to 14, alongside teachers and parents. All were eager to experience a day in the life of a U.S. Soldier.

"Today was a very special day to bond with the Polish school children," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Javonte Smith, a religious affairs non-commissioned officer with the 510th Regional Support Group. "They were all so welcoming, and it is a blessing to share this experience with them."

The day's events included a military-themed fitness circuit adapted for children, culminating in a highly anticipated, friendly volleyball match.

To warm up, Soldiers led the children through a set of pushups. The students then completed jumping jacks and cardio drills, with some even trying on military tactical gear to experience the added weight.

The main event took place in the school gymnasium, where students lined the court to watch their peers face off against the Soldiers in a best-of-three volleyball match. While the students ultimately defeated the Soldiers, the scoreboard took a backseat to the camaraderie in the gym.

"Being able to have this experience really gave me a taste of home that I miss by being away from my own kids," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Callaway, a signal support sergeant with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, 353rd Civil Affairs Command. "Seeing the smiles on their faces and how much fun they were having made it all worth it. I look forward to more community engagements in the future."

As the day wrapped up, proud parents watched their children interact with the service members, with many students lining up to take photos with their new American friends.

The 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Command, is headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and co-located in Poznan, Poland, where it provides base operation support to seven installation sites across the Baltics. As a rotational unit, the 510th RSG sustains the readiness of V Corps and NATO forces defending the eastern flank