JRFU From 20 to 22 February, the “JENESYS Japan-ASEAN Sports (Rugby) x SDGs Exchange“, an exchange program by the Japanese government to promote understanding between Japan and ASEAN took place.
On Saturday, February 24, the group conducted a stadium tour of the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium and toured the SMBC Cup.
Participants joined the tour of the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, which was also used for the Rugby World Cup 2019. During the inspection, participants learned about the facilities (field, VIP area, changing rooms, etc.) , the relationship between rugby and Kumagaya City, and its history.
After that, they participated in a rugby clinic. Participants enjoyed playing rugby by doing drills such as kicking, 1-on-1, and other activities.
In the afternoon, we observed the SMBC Cup games. While enjoying the excellent plays of elementary school students from all over Japan, they also observed the event management.
“We were impressed that players were enjoying rugby” “They were playing really well”. It was a day of learning and experiencing tag rugby in a different way, which they had learned over the last three days.
■Participants’ Voice
Myo (Myanmar)
I have never played rugby. This is the first time I have learned about tag rugby.
“Leaning from the JENESYS Japan-ASEAN Sports (Rugby) x SDGs Exchange Program”
What impressed me the most was today’s tournament. I was impressed by how well and how hard the children played tag rugby.
Since I was new to tag rugby, it was difficult for me to understand the rules at first, but I learned that teamwork is important. When we tried to play with teamwork, we were able to play well.
Since there were members from various Asian countries, the language was difficult, but we found a way to communicate and play together using English and gestures.
The participants from Myanmar also met for the first time in this program, but we became good friends through tag rugby.
When I return to Myanmar, I would like to introduce tag rugby to children so that they can enjoy the sport like the children who played today.