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Hokubu Middle School Gets a Visit from the Slovakian President (February 7)
As part of the One School, One Country Program, Hokubu Middle School in Nagano City has been carrying out exchange activities with and supporting the national team from Slovakia. Hokubu students were very excited to welcome Slovakian President Michal Kovac to their school on February 6.The students and teachers welcomed the president and first lady with a big round of applause, after which they sang songs including the Slovakian national anthem and a Japanese folksong. The students presented the president with stuffed toys of the Snowlets, the Olympic mascots, and Japanese fans they had made themselves. Mr. and Ms. Kovac shook hands with and hugged the kids as they thanked them for the gifts.
Student Council President Tetsuya Harayama said, "We look forward to the Slovakian athletes' performance in the Games. Let's enjoy the Olympics together." He studied hard to be able to make his speech in English. President Kovac told the students, "I believe that this sort of interaction brings about better relations around the world." (Shinano Mainichi Shimbun)
President and Ms. Kovac receive their bouquets (Shinano Mainichi Shimbun)