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Latrobe City athletes to compete in JapanSelected athletes will represent Latrobe City Council at running events in Japan as part of Council’s Sister Cities Sports Exchange Program this November. By Portal Admin - 21st September 2016 - Back to News The exchange will see 11 athletes, selected with help from local running groups, compete in the Mt Fuji marathon and the Takasago running festival among other cultural activities and outings.
Latrobe City Council’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Cumming, said the group would be joined by three council officers and visit five cities, spending five days in Latrobe City’s sister city, Takasago.
"In Takasago the participants will stay with local families and get a true sense of what life is like in Japan. They will also have the chance to form friendships while they train with a local sporting club," Ms Cumming said.
She said the exchange was part of Council’s commitment to strengthening links with sister cities as part of its International Relations Program.
"Although this is a Sports Exchange Program there is more to the trip than just an exciting opportunity for the community participants," Ms Cumming said.
"Council officers will join investment and relationship-focused meetings, during which they will explore and receive updates on future investment opportunities.
"Our officers are working closely with the Federal and State governments and business contacts in Japan to find opportunities during the visit."
The running team is made up of men and women, aged between 17 and 48 years, from across Latrobe City.
"These men and women are regular runners, but they’ve ramped up their training efforts since June in preparation for the trip," Ms Cumming said.
Participant Michael Taplin has competed in various running events over several years, including the Melbourne marathon, and said he had always wanted to visit to Japan.
"It’s a rare opportunity to combine my passion for sport with the cultural experience of going to Japan," the Traralgon resident said.
The Sister Cities Sports Exchange delegation departs Melbourne on 25 November and returns on 8 December.
"When participants return we expect they will continue to be proactive ambassadors of Latrobe City’s International Relations Program," Ms Cumming said.
Ms Cumming said the exchange was made possible thanks to sponsorship from Traralgon Harriers Athletic Club, Federation University, Federation Training, Gippsland Dental Group, Gippsland Water and GBS Recruitment.
Media Enquiries:
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 5128 5458
Participant contact details:
Michael Taplin
0419 299 598
Bryan Cake
0408 201 200
For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com

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