FIJI is among countries in the world to have received help from Japan in upgrading sports.
Gearing up to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan sporting officials are visiting Olympic Games participating nations to help enhance preparation to the games.
Last week, four Japanese sailing officials were in Suva conducting coaching clinics and training to Fijian sailors who are members of the Fiji Yachting Association.
“The Japanese sailing coaches visited Suva to provide five days of practical sailing lessons to Fiji Yachting Association,” Japan Embassy’s Kanami Kakuta said.
“The Japanese coaches were Sydney 2000 Olympian Maiko Sato, Takao Otani from World Sailing Council, Tetsuo Watanabe, a former Japan sailing team member and Dongyoon Lee from Japan Sailing Federation. The coaches taught sailing to sailors from South East Asian countries including Vietnam and Myammar, and this time 10 sailors in Fiji.
“It was the first time for the coaches to visit Fiji and they were impressed by Fijian sailing enthusiasts’ stamina and strong team work skills”
Kakuta said the coaches were confident that Fijian sailing enthusiasts could become promising competitors in future sailing events.
“It was their first time to come to Fiji and they hope to come back and have lessons again.”
The training were held at the sailing centre at Laucala Bay, Suva.
