Handover Ceremony of Tatami Mats and Uniforms to the Philippine Judo Federation

On December 15, 2021, the All Japan Judo Federation donated essential equipment to the Philippine Judo Federation (PJF). The Japan Information and Culture Center of the Embassy of Japan facilitated the donation of 97 tatami mats (woven straw mats) and 100 judo uniforms, under the Sport for Tomorrow (SFT) project.

A Handover ceremony was held to mark the formal transfer of the donation. During the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Minister YAMAMOTO Yasushi remarked, "We are happy to be able to contribute to Filipino athletes through judo, the sport that has a close relationship with Japan." Minister Yamamoto also lauded the Philippines' success, most notably for its first Olympic gold medal, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mr. David Carter, President of the Philippine Judo Federation, was also present in the event and shared a message to all attendees. He mentioned in his message that through the sport, the Philippines has formed even stronger ties and alliances with Japan. He further adds that the donations “will go a long way as these shall be distributed to the member clubs of the Philippine Judo Federation. It will help us improve our base at the grassroots level.” 

Other attendees of the handover ceremony were the PJF Officials, National Coaches and Judo athletes.

The SFT project is Japan’s contribution in the field of sports exchange, and it has been jointly implemented by the Japanese public and private sectors since 2014. This donation made through the SFT project hopes to help cultivate and sharpen the skills and talents of the young Filipino athletes, especially now with the growing number of Filipino and Fil-Japanese Judokas in the country.

In addition, the Philippines is also a part of the Judo Exchange Program “Japan-ASEAN Jita-Kyoei” (translated as mutual welfare and benefit) Project. This project invites participants from the Philippines and other ASEAN countries to learn the theoretical and practical techniques of judo. The participants are also able to share their knowledge and experiences to their fellow athletes through exchange programs, human resources, and network building.

Ultimately, the goal of these programs is to fortify the bonds of the two countries through a common love for sports.

Sports for Tomorrow program < https://www.sport4tomorrow.jpnsport.go.jp/ >

Japan-ASEAN Jita-Kyoei Project < https://jfac.jp/en/culture/projects/jita-kyoei/ >
 
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