Unique Japanese sports fest for elem, SPED students

The Japan Foundation, Manila and Malay Elementary School in Malay, Aklan will be holding the “Undokai Fiesta” on 23 August.

Undokai is a traditional Japanese sports day held in the fall of every year in Japan. It is composed of different sports and physical activities, emphasizing discipline and skill.

Undokai Fiesta is a marriage of two traditions wherein the whole school community can experience how the Japanese celebrate their sports day while also doing activities similar to a Philippine fiesta.

The Japan Foundation, Manila is on board with the Paralympic 2020 which will be held in Japan. With one of the Tokyo 2020 Game’s three core concepts, which is “Unity in Diversity,” the one-day sports fest will include learners from Kinder to Grade 6, as well as the students under Special Education (SPED).

Two guest athletes will also deliver talks during the event. Edwin Villanueva, a member of the Philippine Paralympic swimming team, and Yuri Fukuda, a Japanese volleyball player for Petron Blaze Spikers, will share their personal stories as athletes and hopefully inspire the students to gain an understanding and enthusiasm for teamwork, discipline and physical fitness. Hiroaki Uesugi, director of the Japan Foundation, Manila, explains more about the vision of this project: “This is the first time that such a crosscultural sports program will be held in the region. Aligning with the Paralympics 2020, our event aims to promote the value of physical fitness and sports, as well as to foster inclusion and diversity.”

Dos Barrientos, principal of Malay Elementary School, also shares: “The ‘Undokai Fiesta’ is a great opportunity for our public school students to experience the rich culture of Japan. On behalf of Malay Elementary school community, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Japan Foundation and to all the people behind this project. Abo gid nga Saeamat!”

Note that details are subject to change. For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/jfmanila or www.jfmo.org.ph.

With one of the Tokyo 2020 Game’s three core concepts, which is “Unity in Diversity,” the one-day sports fest will include learners from Kinder to Grade 6, as well as the students

under Special Education.

SINGAPORE Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho Wei Hong (second from left) hosted a dinner party in celebration of the 54th Independence Day of the Republic. Guests included Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (second from right).