The "Nintama" (Ninja Kids) gathering at Fukushiyama Castle. 45 elementary schoolers undergo ninja training

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2012/04/09/005015.html

April 9, 2012

Boat racing, on the flowing river below the castle.

On the 8th, in the area of Fukuchiyama Castle's Park (Naiki Itchōme Naiki, Fukuchiyama-Castle), "The 11th Mitsuhide Nintama Martial Arts Gathering" was held. (Translation note: Mitsuhide is Fukushiyama Castle's mascot.) Wrapped in ninja outfits, the children challenged themselves in each attraction, including shuriken throwing, blow darts and water running (on a boat).

The event was put together by an action committee made up of volunteer residents, led by Chairman Kawakatsu Yuu. 45 elementary scholars gathered together.

Disguised as the Nintama (child ninjas in the midst of training), they participated in the Nintama Olympics. Aiming for the championship trophy, they were challenged by the "Dokutake Team," (villains from the anime series).

　

The 5th competition was a boat race, held on the river of the lower castle. Each group boarded a boat, competing to pull themselves to the other side of the river in the fastest time.

Cooperating with their full power to pull themselves across the rope, at times it appeared as if some of them would fall into the river, but all made it across safely.

After the competition, the troublesome Dokutake Team stole the trophy and attempted to flee the scene. In an excellent showing during a fierce battle, the children managed to take back the trophy.

Original text:

福知山城で忍たま武道大会　小学生４５人が忍者修行

2012年4月 9日

城の下を流れる法川での水走り（ボートレース）の様子

福知山市内記一丁目の福知山城公園周辺で８日、「第１１回光秀忍たま武道大会」が行われた。子どもたちが忍者衣装に身を包み、手裏剣、吹き矢、水走りなどの各種アトラクションに挑戦した。

市民ボランティアで組織する実行委員会（川勝優委員長）が主催し、４５人の小学生たちが集まった。

忍たま（修行中の子ども忍者）に扮して、「忍たまオリンピック」に参加するという設定で、優勝トロフィーを目指し、悪役のドクタケチームと対戦した。

５競技目の水走り（ボートレース）は、城下の法川で開催。グループごとにボートへ乗り込み、ロープを手繰り寄せながら、対岸に渡るまでの時間を競った。

協力して力いっぱいロープを引っ張り、勢いあまって川に落ちそうになる忍たまもいたが、全員無事に渡りきった。

このあと競技が面倒になったドクタケチームがトロフィーを奪って逃げる場面もあったが、激戦の末、見事取り返した。