Implementation of Sports Exchange Assistance Programs for Fiscal Year 2003 and Donation of Judo Equipment to Iraq

Donation of Judo Equipment to Iraq

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February, 2004

1. The Government of Japan will invite an instructor of judo each from the ten countries of India, Kingdom of Cambodia, Union of Myanmar, Laos People's Democratic Republic, Afghanistan, Republic of Iraq, Syrian Arab Republic, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Costa Rica and Republic of Poland from February 22 (Sunday) to March 6 (Saturday) as a part of this fiscal year's sports exchange assistance program and conduct training with the cooperation of the Kodokan Judo Institute.
   
   
2. The Government of Japan and All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF) will provide judo equipment to the Iraqi Judo Federation for contributing to the promotion of judo in Iraq. The list of the equipment is scheduled to be presented to the chair of the Iraqi Judo Federation during his stay in Japan. One hundred sets of judo uniforms and Two sets of tatami mats for official matches (approximately 200 mats) which were collected at the instigation of AJJF will be donated through this assistance. Furthermore, the Government of Japan, through the Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects, will provide assistance for the transportation of this judo equipment.
   
   
3. The promotion of friendly relations with these countries through judo, a sport originated in Japan, and the increasing of understanding about Japan are expected through this exchange assistance program. Moreover, it is expected that this provision of judo equipments to Iraq will allow the people of Iraq to carry hopes in their hearts and increase their hopes for their future while trying to overcome difficulties.