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2012 Sports Exchange Program To Sister CitiesPlanning is now underway for Latrobe City’s 2012 Sister Cities Sports Exchange Program to Takasago in Japan and Taizhou in China. By Latrobe City - 6th February 2012 - Back to News The exchange program will provide young people within Latrobe City an opportunity to develop and demonstrate their sporting and personal skills through sportsmanship without any barriers to prejudices.
Latrobe City’s mayor, Councillor Ed Vermeulen said that sports had long been considered an international language that brings people with diverse cultural backgrounds together.
"The sporting exchange program will be an extremely valuable experience for local students and accompanying adults to learn about and understand the diverse cultures through grass-root relationships. The sporting component is only one element to the program and participants will come away with a deeper appreciation of culture and respect, and are sure to make long-lasting friendships through the experience," Cr Vermeulen said.
Participating in an exchange to Takasago, Japan from 21 March to 30 March 2012 will be a combined junior judo team. A combined junior swimming team will travel to Taizhou, China in late April 2012.
Glenn Delaland, from the Yinnar Judo Club, said that the exchange would provide the participants with a broader view of the world, especially the culture and day-to-day activities of Japanese society.
"I believe the children will gain a greater appreciation of the importance of their own education when they observe the functioning of the Japanese high schools and the emphasis the Japanese people place on education.
The participants will also gain valuable knowledge and skills of their sport from training and competing with their peers. They will also gain an appreciation of the history of judo and the importance of the martial arts in Japan," Mr Delaland said.
Brian Ford from the Traralgon Swimming Club said that the club was pleased and proud to be associated with the exchange program.
"We have a group of outstanding young swimmers who want to experience different cultures, travel and act as role models for the club and their sport. This program will give them the opportunity to participate in all these experiences in addition to using their abilities in the pool for training and competition. We thank Latrobe City Council for inviting our club to celebrate and enhance the relationship it has with its sister city. I am sure the swimmers will be tremendous ambassadors for the region during their time in China," Mr Ford said.
Louise Law from the Morwell Swimming Club echoed Mr Ford’s comments.
"Morwell Swimming Club sees this as a fantastic opportunity for our swimmers to develop their own personal skills and gain an appreciation of a culture very different from their own. Not only are our swimmers excellent athletes, but they will be fine ambassadors for our club and Latrobe City," Ms Law said.
Latrobe City’s general manager recreation, culture and community infrastructure Grantley Switzer said that a fundraising program has been established by each participating club to raise money for the costs of the trip.
"The clubs are required to make a contribution to the expenses of this sports exchange program and have actively encouraged participants to seek ways to raise funds. These activities have included garage sales, chocolate drives, trivia nights and silent auctions, raffles, barbecues and sponsorship from local businesses.
"Latrobe City is a major sponsor too and would encourage other local businesses to support the participants in this life-changing program. Sponsors can contact council to register their interest in supporting this exchange," Mr Switzer said.
Cr Vermeulen added that over the next three months all participants will participate in an extensive Cultural Awareness Program.
"They will undertake many cultural activities associated to Japan and China in preparation for this life changing experience. We strongly believe that an exchange such as this is an investment for life and we are keen to ensure that all participants are well prepared and ready for this experience," Cr Vermeulen concluded.
To receive a sponsorship prospectus for the sports exchange program contact Jason Membrey, coordinator events and international relations on 5128 5604 or email Jason.membrey@latrobe.vic.gov.au.
Photo: Pictured with Latrobe City mayor Cr Ed Vermeulen are members of the planned judo and swimming sports exchange program.
Media Enquiries:
Media Relations Team
Telephone: 5128 5458 or 0407 862 977
Jacinta Kennedy Manager Community Relations
Telephone: 5128 5421
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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