CAMP SCHWAB, Japan - Marines from the 4th Marine Regiment participated in the second annual Shanghai Cup competition Nov. 10 aboard Camp Schwab.

The competition allowed battalions assigned to the 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, to compete in eight athletic events, such as tire flipping and sumo wrestling.

The events began with a cake cutting ceremony to honor the Marine Corps birthday. Following the ceremony, the regiment took off on a three-mile motivational run around Camp Schwab, after which, the competition began.

The competition was more than just winning a trophy, it was about boosting morale and enhancing cohesion of the unit, according to Chief Warrant Officer Eric C. Auburg, the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense officer with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, and the event coordinator.

“It’s good for the community as a whole to get together and see the people that they haven’t seen for a while, or just build new friendships,” said Auburg.

There were approximately 1,800 Marines present for the competition, according to Col. David L. Odom, the commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, III MEF. The regiment took time away from their busy training schedule to partake in the event to boost morale and have fun with fellow Marines.

“This is the one time of the year that we have a break from working and are able to host the Shanghai Cup,” said Odom. “The Marines are forward deployed throughout the year, so we rarely have all battalions on the island at the same time.”

The competition benefited the Marines that participated by allowing them to make new friends and reminisce with old ones, according to Lance Cpl. Sam S. Goerdt, a machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd MarDiv, III MEF under the unit deployment program.

“The competitions really brought all of the battalions together to have a great time,” said Goerdt, a Dubuque, Iowa, native. “I think everyone involved was thankful for such an opportunity.”

The last event was a tug-of-war tournament where the different battalions from different regiment took turns facing off against each other. At the end of the day, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment scored the most points and took home the Shanghai Cup.

“Today was about taking a day out of our schedule and spending some time together to have some fun,” said Odom. “I had the honor of awarding the Shanghai Cup to the winning team, but everybody takes away a share of the camaraderie.”