Japan’s 100-Year Olympic Legacy Marked by Foundation of Institute of Olympism

TOKYO, Japan, May 27. THE Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) today marked the centenary of its country's active involvement in the Olympic Movement by announcing the creation of the Kano Jigoro Memorial International Sport Institute in Tokyo.

The Institute, inaugurated exactly 100 years after Jigoro Kano became the first International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from Asia, will promote the values of Olympism in Japan and across the world.

As a demonstration of Japanese society's commitment to the Olympic Movement on all levels, the Institute will focus on Olympic education and research, the fight against doping and programmes to support internationally development through sport.

Its establishment will ensure that the legacy of Jigoro Kano – the legendary founder of the long-standing Olympic sport of Judo – will continue to benefit the Olympic Movement. Like Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the IOC, Mr Kano was passionate about the educational qualities of sport.

The Institute will serve as a hub for the people of Asia and from across the world for the promotion of the social and cultural values of Olympism, international sporting and intercultural exchange, and world peace through sport. It will also serve as a coordinating organisation for the international aid and contributions made by the Japanese Government and other entities through sports.

Formed in partnership by the JOC, the Japan Sports Association (JASA), the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Kano Jigoro Memorial International Sport Institute is also strongly supported by the Japanese business community, as demonstrated by the leading role Hiroshi Okuda, Senior Advisor to the Toyota Motor Corporation, is expected to play on its board.

Today's announcement builds on many recent developments in Olympism in Japan – the most prominent of which is Tokyo's Bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the heart of the nation's dynamic capital city. This Bid further demonstrates Japan's commitment to ensure that its 100-year Olympic legacy to the world is continued.

The full board of the Kano Jigoro Memorial International Sport Institute consists of:

– Yoshiro Mori, Former Prime Minister and President of JASA
– Tsunekazu Takeda, President of JOC
– Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo
– Dr Ichiro Kono, President of JADA
– Toshiaki Endo, Member of Parliament
– Hiroshi Okuda, Senior Advisor to Toyota Motor Corporation
– Teiichi Sato, Executive Director of Tokyo National Museum
– Takeo Takahashi, Professor of Nippon Sport Science University Graduate School
– Yoshiji Nogami, Advisor to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
– Seiko Hashimoto, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs
– Yasuhiro Yamashita, Director of All Japan Judo Federation
– Sadako Ogata, President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
– Toshio Matsuzawa, President of Tokyo Sport Benefits Corporation

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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