Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

TIAS (UT)-India to Africa (Rwanda & Tanzania) to India ‘Follow-up on
the Legacy of TIAS Students’ and Sport (& Health) Projects(August 10th to 24th, 2018)
REPORT – To TIAS (& JSA) and related partners in India and Africa (Rwanda and Tanzania)
To clarify the aim of the visits / field trips / projects-programs – since 2017, TIAS (Professors) started
these activities as part of its ‘ACADEMIC LEGACY’ (for TOKYO 2020), and to work with the TIAS‘STUDENTS’ in line with the TIAS vision and mission, under the SFT consortium and JSA initiatives for its
academies. The aim was to involve TIAS students (ex-students) pursuing their dreams and developing
their organizations (in which they worked or have joined) in context of ‘SPORT and OLYMPIC STUDIES’ as
one part of the TIAS mission of ‘CREATING FUTURE SPORT LEADERS’. It is our (Professors at TIAS) hopethat these ‘small steps’ forward in engaging the sporting field/discipline/area where our ‘students’ now
work will lead to substantial and sustainable cooperation with TIAS-UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA, Faculty of
Health and Sport Sciences, including other SFT consortium members. This August visit to India andAfrica was undertaken in above context.

2018, Aug. 11:
Work 1 - INDIA: (10; number here indicates number of people reached, approximately)
Following the graduation of Mr. AMAN SHAH, 2nd batch TIAS student, and Gold medal
recipient (Academics-Research), holding the Current position [Lead - Media & Communications |JSW Sports Private Limited, JSW Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051,
Maharashtra, India (Website - www.jsw.in/sports; www.inspireinstituteofsport.com), and WORK as
LEGACY - i) Commonwealth Games 2018, GoldCoast-Media; ii) IIS at JSW, developing proposals forcoaching of Olympic athletes in not only Japan at University of Tsukuba and NSSU but also other sporting
nations worldwide, & development of talent identification and academic-education programs withlong-term goal in mind; applying - ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT and TALENT IDENTIFICATION (Key Learning at
TIAS Master’s program, under supervision of Dr. Guido Geisler, TIAS-UT)]; and his recent visit as partof the Indian Sports delegation (JSW Sports, part of $13 billion JSW Group conglomerate) to Japanin July end, 2018, was the impetus behind meeting in India. To meet, see & discuss first-hand in
Mumbai at JSW HQ with Aman and Manager- Sports Excellence Program, JSW Sports Mr.
Ramadhar YADAV (also part of Indian delegation as Senior Athlete Manager) resulted inre-emphasizing the need for start to cooperation in the following areas [as summarized by Aman
- 1) Sending IIS (Inspire Institute of Sport) athletes, especially in Judo, Athletics and Swimming, to the
University of Tsukuba for training camps, 2) Inviting coaches and athletes from the University of Tsukuba
to IIS for short exchange programs, 3) Inviting students and researchers from the University of Tsukuba
to IIS for internships/data collection, and 4) Introduction of short-term academic programs to be hosted
at IIS through collaboration with the University of Tsukuba]; to be followed by MOU; to be discussed
at Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences following wider discussion on MOU with SAI (Sports
Authority of India, MYAS-Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports). As first step – to initiate identificationof some of IIS junior athletes for training camps to University, under their priority sports
targeting Tokyo 2020-beyond. Aman’s continued work in ‘sport’ is TIAS LEGACY.

(Mumbai, JSW HQ)

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)

2018

2018, Aug. 12-16:
Work 2 - RWANDA: (100)There are 3 student’s in TIAS from Rwanda – 1 recently graduated 2nd Batch: Mr.
RURANGAYIRE GUY DIDIER, holding the Current position [National Team Specialist, now acting
Director, Sports, Ministry of Sports and Culture; http://www.minispoc.gov.rw/index.php?id=2] and working
towards various sporting events under the Ministry of Sports, Rwanda; and 2 current 3rd Batch:
Mr. CELESTIN NZEYIMANA, ex-President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of
Rwanda and now Executive Secretary NPC Rwanda (http://www.npcrwanda.com/spip.php?article111 );and Mr. SHEMA-MABOKO DIDIER of the Rwanda Basketball Federation – FERWABA, TechnicalManager. Their deep-rooted involvement in SPORT, Olympics and Paralympics and the desire to
study-learn and improve their outlook for Rwandan sport as various levels, from elite to
grassroots, training to coaching and policy and infrastructure. With Mr. RURANGAYIRE backinto ‘MINISPOC’, he is practicing legacy translating his acquired knowledge at Tsukuba-TIAS
back to his country; and also with a special focus on Karate and infrastructure for Karate. Both
Mr. Celestin and Mr. Shema are conducting research on Paralympic sport and Sport fordevelopment and peace, respectively; and incorporating early on the knowledge from TIAS to
Rwanda – recently by Celestin works on introducing Blind Judo for Africa in 2018(http://tias.tsukuba.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018_Workshop-IBSA-Judo-Africa-Development-and-Introd
uction-of-Judo-for-Blind-Athletes-in-Rwanda_Feb-28-to-March-4-1.pdf). Their wish to improve theirrespective organizations and sports is the on-going TIAS LEGACY in Rwanda.
 Arriving in Kigali on August 12th the Day 1, was the time to meet various Sport Leaders
as it was the last day 0f the IHF Continental 2018 IHF Africa Challenge Trophy
tournament (https://www.newtimes.co.rw/sports/handball-rwanda-host-africa-ihf-challenge-trophy):
U-18 and U-20 Men’s teams participating at the AMAHORO NATIONAL STADIUM (ANS;
Amahoro = peace) in Kigali (http://olympicrwanda.org/). This is where I was introduced (byCelestin san) to the Honorable Minister of Sport Minister of Sports and Culture
Honorable Julienne Uwacu (Ms.), and various sports leaders and organizations heads.
The Handball games gave an opportunity to see the sport events in progress andunderstand the way of thinking of Rwanda Sports leaders, in general – to promote
sports at all levels – SPORT FOR ALL; reminding of Sport for Tomorrow. This wasfollowed by a tour of the National Stadium and the sport facilities, and introduction tovarious offices of the National Federations that were based within the National
Stadium.

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 August 13th was a more formal introduction to the ANS, which is the main training
center for Elite Athletes & Games (sports); and which is open to the public. The main or
priority sports are SOCCER, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, CYCLING, ATHLETICS (T&F),
JUDO and SWIMMING. The NOC (national Olympic Committee) has 2 roles to play, theOlympics and Commonwealth Games. Visiting the Sports Ministry and National
Olympic and Sport Committee (RNOSC) with Guy san and various Federations andNational Paralympic Committee. The aim was to see, meet, listen and interact withsport people, and to try understand the ground situation in Rwanda sport, andcontinue further interactions in context of the graduated/graduating students areasfrom Rwanda at TIAS; the legacy lives through its students works.

(Guy and Celestin) Meetings continued with first the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF)-Mr. John Peter
NDACYAYISENGA (National Technical Director of Athletics in Rwanda) who explained
the status of athletics. High-jump and Rwanda is famous for its mid- and long-distancerunners. Talent identification is done through workshops with schools. Creating clubs
at the district level, for 14-18 years old; Schools of Excellence; started in 2017-45
schools in 30 districts. High performance training center in the Northern Province(residential training camp) and Regional Training Center at 2,800 mts altitude.

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 Sport for All – is an important program in Rwanda; where maximum number ofRwandans can participate in athletics. The Kigali International Peace Marathon(http://kigalimarathon.org/index.php) is one such event, where people can take part inthe competitions (full and half marathon) and also is open to the general public ‘RUN
FOR FUN’. In May of 2018, around 5,000 people took part.
 KEY FOCUS is TOKYO 2020 and to qualify as many runners as possible; the 2019 Qatar
World Cup is the selection period. The Throwers, Shot put and Javelin are also key
events other than Running.
 Partnership with Japanese Entities for long-term focus on athlete training, pre-training
camps for 2020, and training of coaches is the need of the day; 10,000 m / 5,000 m /800 m / Marathon / Decathlon / Triathlon – Hurdles is new event for Rwanda T&F.
 Scientific Equipment’s and Facilities are another challenge; “disconnect science fromperformance is not possible”. No research center-private sector support needed.
Investment in Sport-CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is also another area ofdevelopment.
 HOWEVER, it is important to note that ‘CULTURE OF SPORT’ is coming up in
RWANDA.
 There are 33 Sports Associations/Federations and 6 areas of development – Soccer,
Athletics, Volleyball, Basketball, PARALYMPICS, and cycling.
 Thus a need for ‘PARTNERSHIP’ with the Japanese Universities (UT and also NSSU- bothas part of the SPORT FOR TOMORROW project of the Japanese Government, for not
only TRIANING-COACHING but also PHYSICAL EDUCATION, and ANTI-DOPING.

 August 14th was a field trip to the SOUTHERN PROVINCE – in NYANZA [Nyanza is a
district (akarere) and its capital is Nyanza town, which is also the provincial capital; and where
the old Royal Palace of the Rwandan monarchy is located - now the Rwesero Art Museum] to

the REGIONAL CENTER, the YOUTH FRIENDLY CENTER (YFC), and where there is a
scope for positive development and also the need for SPORTS at the local/community
level for development of the region including its YOUTH. This region is known for its
EDUCATION facilities – 16 primary schools and 12 secondary schools; and a University.
 The visit along with President Valens MUNYABAGISHA and his IT & Communications
Officer, Mr. Jean Claude Rugigana, and Celestin started with meeting the Coordinatorof the YFC, Mr. Jean Paul. The youth come and play here, such as indoor Table Tennis
and outdoor sports (under basic conditions of the ground); the center is also used for
cultural events and watching ‘matches’ on the screen. Gym aerobics for adults is also
used. A library is a learning refuge for the kids, who come and read, adults borrow
4Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018books; and there is a reading room for adults.
 There are multiple facilities for sports-but very basic – open-air); and as Celestinmentioned the condition of ‘Sitting Volleyball’-a priority Paralympic sport, and where
Team Rwanda is doing good, practicing on the hard ground is not easy. Soccer fieldalso.
 Vocational Training Center provides vocational training in various areas, computers,
craftsmanship, sewing, and cooperative for bicycles (they are used as a Taxi service inRwanda). The center also provides health-based education and voluntary testing
center for HIV-AIDS and sex-education. Thus, the YFC not only is a place for doing
SPORT but also LEARNING-EDUCATION and DIVERSE LIVELIHOOD TRAINING for the
YOUTH; a multifaceted center for regional development with SPORT as a powerful
movement for change is the vision, is the feeling after visiting the site. This was also
reinforced after meeting the various people working there and also a discussion with
the MAYOR of NYANZA DISTRICT – Mr. NTAZINDA Erasme.

5Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 Given a scarcity of trained teachers (in vocational skills) and nurses (for HIV-AIDS
testing and counseling), and coaches (for sport), it was found imperative to also involve
JICA as support partner. An excellent discussion with the President Valens (RNOSC).

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 Continuing the journey from the Southern province, back towards Kigali, we moved to
the JICA Rwanda Office in Kigali meeting with the Program Officer Mr. Iddy
HABIYAMBERE (in charge of Volunteer Program) and Ms. Eiko MORI
(Volunteer Coordinator). Briefing on the purpose of the Rwanda visit,
and the need for further promoting cooperation between TIAS-UT,
as part of SFT and JSA legacy program for Tokyo 2020, based on theneeds of its graduated and current students projects in ‘sport’, it was
discussed to help promote also the work JICA Rwanda is doing to UT
student’s (JICA volunteers), and to help interlink projects together
with TIAS, as possible under SFT. The need is for Soccer, Volleyball,Judo, Karate, Athletics, Para-Volleyball, Basketball, and which also
overlaps with what is indicated above in discussions with sports officials; skilled
volunteers and International exposure for University of Tsukuba TAIIKU students. The
need for PE curriculum is also critical; where
University of Rwanda in College of Education,
Eastern Province may have a role. Developmentof a platform for sports, for kids/teams.
Sister-city relations are another area ofcooperation/working. Looking for CSR in
sport-related projects, as it is still indevelopmental stages; and the recent presenceof Toyota Rwanda is a welcome sign andpossibility
forfuturetalks.
(https://www.jica.go.jp/rwanda/english/office/index.html)
 The next stop was the Rwanda Volleyball Federation – meeting with the President of
the FRVB (Mr. Leandre KAREKEZI) and the General Secretary Mr. Adalbert
MFASHIMANA (http://www.fivb.org/EN/FIVB/Federation.asp?NF=RWA) and the Executive
director along with Guy san. Sharing the strategic plan for Volleyball development, it
was mentioned that there is specific focus on the development of volleyball and young
talent identification at secondary schools. The need is for COACHING THE COACHES byeither University of Tsukuba coaches and/or Japanese volleyball Leagues; and wish tolink up to the JV Federation for Men’s and Women’s Coach Training. There is also needfor equipment’s-NETS and Balls for regional/local areas. After football, it is volleyball,as a priority sport. NEED MORE COACHES (link to JICA program!). Need forexpertise/training in MARKETING & COMMUNCIATIONS – MOBILIZING FUNDS. Look
forward to TRAINING OF THE NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM in Japan. FOCUS ON
MENTAL SKILLS & PHYSIOLOGY – PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAMS. Finally the need for
SPORT ADMINISTRATION learning and training.

7Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 August 15th was a day for the PARALYMPICS – meeting with the NPC Rwanda(http://www.npcrwanda.com/) and visit to the Eastern Province-School for the Visually
Impaired. Meeting with almost a full house, Mr. JOSEPH (VP, National Blind Sports
Association) / Mr. Silas MUSABYIREMA (Secretary General, NDSCO-Rwanda; National
Deaf Sports Committee) and Volleyball Coach and Teacher, Special Schools / Mr. Jean
Damascene BIZIMANA (Vice President of NDSCO-Rwanda, and Deaf People
Representative) with Mr. DUNCAN, Interpreter / Treasurer, Mr. Emile VUNINGABO,
representing the NPC President Mr. Jean Baptiste MUREMA / and, Mr. Jean
Marie NSENGIYUMVA (Technical Director, NPC and Coach - Women’s Sitting Volleyball).
As Joseph mentioned early on – ‘best practices to learn from other schools’, in context
of “persons with disabilities” (PWDs). Briefly, the NPC was initiated in 2001 startingfrom the grassroots to now an international level, as an umbrella body for sports ofpeople with physical disabilities.

(withinAmahoroNational

Stadium, Kigali) As a background – for the PWDs, difficult to get them to play sport due to thenegative mindset. Targeting children with physical disabilities at first using ‘sittingvolleyball’ and in 2006, standing volleyball for amputees. Partnership with schools
and special centers to select the players. Train some teachers as coaches.
Grassroots programs to Nationals (games). At the international level – sittingvolleyball (SV), T&F, and Powerlifting (PL). Road to Tokyo2020, multiple challenges– infrastructure; candidates for SV, PL, Athletics, Judo and Goalball. The ONE
COURT PER DISTRICT PROGRAM; however, also adaptation-bad condition of courts
led to use of plastic interlocking mats as floors.
 EXPERTS in new SPORTS are also important to incorporate; partner with Ifs to train
the coaches; initiated ‘WHEELCHAIR BASETBALL’. SPORT for the DEAF; lobbying
with the IPC – Deaf sports prior to the Paralympics – NPC-R coordinate all schools –Preparing NDSCO to go to the DEAFLYMPICS. Lack of formal training. Follow up
projects in sports at grassroots. Funding is an issue. National Teams only supportedby the government when they reach to International Level-COMPETITIONS.
International Referees needed.
 Main purpose for SOCIAL INCLUSION for PWDs, then moved to the International
Level; started with LAUREUS Foundation. Now the MINISTRY of Sports and Culture
will support grassroots development from 2018. The National Sports Associations
8Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

has difficulty in organizing themselves so the NPC has to do it. SPORT MATERILAS
are lacking, are expensive and imported-a critical dependence on ‘outside’ sources.
Retired Players? What are doing in the community?
 The NPC members are created for – Deaf, PD, Blind, Intellectual (4 MAIN) anddown to the DISTRICT LEVEL as district Paralympic Sport committees. 37 in TOTAL
as of 2018. This organizational structure is important for consolidating all
resources…CAPACITY BUILDING is a CHALLENGE. Human resources, TechnicalManagers are needed. Imperative to provide Management Skills – Education andmomentum for the Paralympic Movement. Celestin san has been instrumental inbringingup
NPC
Rwandatotoday(http://npcrwanda.com/IMG/pdf/NPC_Newsletter_1_small.pdf). As he mentions –‘MAKE CHANGE in RWANDA’. Communication is a key challenge.
 For TOKYO2020, Okinawa has expressed interest to host the ‘Sitting Volleyball’
TEAM. Other options-What chances for support from Japan? UT Experts (such as
Sawae sensei – training/games for Intellectual disabilities), JICA Volunteers Trainedfor PWD sports, and to send athlete’s-coaches for further training to Japan.
 Finally, a msg through the interpreter – for the NDSC representative, …..“am very
happy to acknowledge Celestin to have this meeting…also welcome to Rwanda;
and, for the DEAF, we need all the support for SPORT; there are many deaf people
due to the Genocide; training-education is also a challenge, both teachers andstudent’s suffer.; it would be nice if there is support for PE Curriculum for the
DEAF; would appreciate support from Deaf Organizations in Japan to link with us
here and the develop our organizations…

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 Continuing with the NPC-R, the next visit was to the ‘School for the Visually Impaired’– Groupe Scolaire H.V.P GATAGARA, in the RWAMAGANA district (Eastern Province)
to meet the school teachers using SPORT for education and competition / games forchildren with blindness (visual impairment at all levels). This was also where Celestin
carriedout
theRwanda(AfricanInitiative)‘BlindJudo’
project(http://tias.tsukuba.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018_Workshop-IBSA-Judo-Africa-Development-and-Introduction-of-Judo-for-Blind-Athletes-in-Rwanda_Feb-28-to-March-4-1.pdf),









and one of thereasons for making this long trip. Meeting with the Teacher and Coach Mr. Emmanuel
NTAKIRUTIMANA (in lieu of the Head teacher Brother JULES) and anotherteacher and Judo coach Mr. ATHANASE, the discussion centered on the school
sporting issues and facilities therein for children with visual impairment.
The SCHOOL (BOARDING) hosts children with blindness from 7 to 25 years old. It is a
Government-aided school which covers the Teacher’s salary. Others are paid /provided
by the ‘Brothers of Charity’, including for the resident children. There are 175 student’s,
both boys and girls (inclusive school); and there are 35 Teachers: 5 are especially for
the BLIND = 4 for completely blind, 1 for low vision.
The main SPORTS are Goalball, Athletics (Javelin), and Showdown (but less popular).
FOCUS is on Competition Sports. Some student’s belong to the National Team;
Women-National Champions in Goalball, 2018. Boys are also at the national-level. Judohas been introduced, but there are challenges, and this is one of the focus for the visit;
namely inadequate skills / Judo Dress – the JUDOGI / Judo mats – the TATAMI; students
are from poor income families in case of ‘blind’, and they are afraid of losing (tearing)the only shirt-t-shirt they have while playing Judo. IMPORTANT POINT is that thechildren have really taken a liking for JUDO; and the coach is trained in Kigali by IBSA.
Thus, it is envisioned that based on the recent introduction of BLIND JUDO, a CENTER
for BLIND JUDO can be created on the school premises.
Other challenges are to TRAIN the TEACHERS in different BLIND SPORTS; having morethan 1 Goalball field, and having field for blind football and room for powerlifting.
Fortunately, there are enough spaces and rooms for making those facilities.
Moreover, as many of the school graduates are in the District-level Teams, it is good tobe able to spread the msg and importance of sports to local communities. As many
students are from low or very low income families, there is a pressing need for
clothes/sports dress and sport shoes.

10Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

FUTURE WORKS-NEXT STEPS (proposed)
1. MOU with the RNOSC for consideration, based on the March 2018 visit to TIAS-UT of
Ambassador Valens Munyabagisha (President, Rwanda National Olympic and Sports
Committee) as also re-emphasized in the current (August 2018) visit to Rwanda anddiscussions therein post-meetings and field visits.
2. Development of Coaching-Training programs for priority Sports; and possible
cooperation with NCDA-NSSU, and PARALYMPIC EXPANSION PROJECT at NSSU.
3. Participation (and education, including anti-doping) in the Kigali International Peace
Marathon 2019.
4. Development of proposal ‘SPORT plus’ – Sport, Education & Health Development
Center (SEAHD) for integrated sports facilities in combination with vocational training,youth education, health education and testing, nursing care, stress management andcounseling, and Yoga for All. Social Development - Impact on the People – Sport as a
Catalyst for Change and Regional Development.
5. NPC-R: Coaching of coaches, new coaches, retired athletes – coaching, and training of
athletes, and the possibility of cooperating with Industry for TECHNOLOGY-SKILL
TRANSFER to Rwanda for producing Paralympic sport-related equipment’s. Preparing a
STRATEGY DOCUMENT.
6. Rwanda NPC to organize an African Paralympic Congress with an aim to introduce all
aspects discussed above to the Continent at a single platform and to create awarenesslocally-globally.
7. Continue JUDO TRAINING CAMPS and Center for BLIND JUDO; to discuss with JICA
and Embassy of Japan, in Kigali.
8. Meeting with Mr. Festus BIZIMANA, the Vice President of Rwanda Olympic Committee
and Political Specialist (Embassy of the United States of America) gave new insight into
Sports and Diplomacy in African context; and to prepare a Guest Lecture at TIAS.
Note- Another important part of the Kigali/Rwanda visit, without which the transformation of thenation cannot be felt, is the Kigali Genocide Memorial; stated construction in 1999, and completed
in 2004, the 10th commemoration of the genocide. Its completion was made possible by thefollowing organisations: The City of Kigali, Aegis Trust, Rwanda’s National Commission for the Fightagainst Genocide, Ministry of Sports and Culture, and Various governments and international
non-government organisations (http://www.kgm.rw/friends/thank-you/). The whole country istaking part in the reconciliation, and sports are one medium for interaction and understanding andmoving forward together.

11Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)

2018

2018, Aug. 17-18:
Work 3 - TANZANIA: (25)There is 1 student from United Republic of Tanzania, and who recently graduated the 2nd
Batch: Mr. LEONARD THADEO KATUNZI, holding the Current position [Presidents Office,in-charge of SCHOOL GAMES, Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Tanzania] who
is working towards the next step of his career post-TIAS, for developing the sporting ability ofchildren at primary and secondary schools across the country. Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) on the 16th
afternoon was a surprise to arrive at the airport to be received by the President of the
Tanzanian Paralympics Committee (TPC, https://www.paralympic.org/united-republic-tanzania) Mr.
Gwakisa MWAKABETA, and who drove me to the hotel. This was followed by a meeting tocatch up on Leonard san’s current project - the SCHOOL GAMES.

 August 17th was a day for field visits and meetings starting with the Uhuru
Stadium (formerly known as the Tanzania National Stadium, built in 1960 andrenovated in 2010 on 50 years of Independence) which is adjacent to the National
Stadium (built in 2005) in DAR, Tanzania (http://www.habari.go.tz/). Leonard san was
involved with the National Stadium project at that time, when he was Director ofSports in 2008. Impressive stadiums indeed. Football is a big and popular sport, and achance meeting with one of the Head Coaches reflected on the importance of thegame (http://www.tff.or.tz/) and need for new training methods, as I mentioned about Dr.
Guido Geisler (UT-TIAS) and his ‘Game Sense Coaching’ program.

 Next on the schedule in the National Stadium was the meeting with the TPC President
Mr. MWAKABETA and some board members including Mr. Tuma DANDI (Secretary
General of TPC) and Mr. Said MALILO (committee member of the TPC). Historically, the
TPC was established more than 20 years back, when it was called the ‘Sports
Association for Disability’ (SAD). The current President (who also works as a Civil
12

Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

Servant at the Investment Board) has long association with the TPC, and he waselected to this post in 2015; and mentioned – “deeply wanted to do something for
fellow PWDs using SPORT”. He also remarked how Leonard san has been supporting
the TPC since a long time. The TPC has done a lot but not well developed; it has been
helped by the IPC, especially ‘management’. Post-TPC introduction, I indicated byreason of visiting Tanzania in context of TIAS Legacy and now TIAS alumni-Leonard san.
 The TPC faces a lot of challenges; among them are financial constraints – projects notoperationalized, funding from Japan is very difficult, design of a program for TOKYO
2020 on the training side, training of athletes-is it possible?; T&F for Paralympics andSitting Volleyball, swimming, powerlifting, goalball, and possibility of wheelchair tennis
for participation in 2020. Capacity building is critical requirement, and the need fororganizing sporting events. Biggest need is for sports equipment’s; even used sports
equipment’s can be most helpful and support many players. NEED TO PROMOTE THE
NEXT GENERATION-and for that these challenges have to be taken head on.
AWARENESS CREATION, SENSITIZATION is another important point raised by the TPC;
the society has to be made aware of disability and also inclusion. In above context,
programs for MEDIA PEOPLE are needed said Mr. DANDI, and who works as a
Journalist. Finally, the construction of a new and ‘ACCESSIBLE to all’ TPC office at DAR.
 Journey to TOKYO 2020 has begun with recent seminar in Malawi(https://www.ippmedia.com/en/sport/paralympics-officials-hail-malawi-seminar).

 Next stop in the day’s meeting was with the JICA – Tanzania Office(https://www.jica.go.jp/tanzania/english/index.html), who kindly welcomed us at short
notice, and it turned out be a very nice meeting with new information on SFT
supported project and the joining of a UT-TAIIKU student as JICA volunteer in DAR.
Chief Representative Mr. Toshio NAGASE (along with Senior Representative, Mr.
Satoru MATSUYAMA and Representative Ms. Miwa ITO) explained us on the recent
SPORT PROJECT, ‘LADIES FIRST’, with NSC (National Sports Council of Tanzania) and
Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and in special collaboration with thefamous Marathon runner, Mr. Juma IKANGAA (and who is goodwill-PR-Ambassador of
the JICA Tanzania Office) and SFT.

(https://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/f
ield/2017/171130_
01.html)13

Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018This program has helped sensitize to various issues including the SDGs (Sustainable
Development Goals) and early pregnancy. Leonard san also discussed about thepossible working place for Ms. Ayane SATO, recently graduated from University ofTsukuba-TAIIKU.

 The next meeting was with the NSC (http://nationalsportscouncil.go.tz/) Chairman Mr.
Leodegar Chilla TENGA (one of the finest players in Tanzania’s history-footballer,
National Team player and past President of the Tanzanian Football Federation; and also
respected administrator) and the acting Secretary General of the NSC, Ms. NEEMA
MSITHA, along with Leonard. Coming directly to the hard facts, one of the mostchallenging issues is TRAINING programs for Athletes and Coaches (TIAS has acoaching program being conducted in India – and I introduced Dr. Geisler). More
COACHES are needed at the community level (Community COACHING- and education(Olympic) aspects are also an area of expertise of Dr. Lyras, as also referred by Leonard)
and for TALENT IDENTIFICATION. Need for exchange programs with UT-TIAS, especiallyon Training the Trainers; priority sports in Tanzania are T&F, Swimming, Table Tennis,
Boxing and Judo. Another priority area is SPORT MANAGEMENT (introducing Assoc.
Prof. Takahashi and Dr. Kaneko from TIAS with such expertise and networks). Chairman
TENGA mentioned an important point in how collaboration with TIAS (Japan) shouldbe – “Legacy should be remembered coming from Japan”; e.g., these sports personnel
have been trained in Japan, and so on…echoing back to what was discussed with JICA
on the ‘Ladies First’ event and training of promising young women athletes.
Establishment of the ANTI-DOPING AGENCY was also a key focus. In terms of‘educating’ (at TIAS) the administrators, it was mentioned that TOP PEOPLE should go,
who are sharp and keen, as there is a GAP OF QUALITY – COMPETITIVE QUALITY.
Leonard mentioned to have interaction with JSC (Japan Sport Council) for
understanding the ‘Lottery’ system and funding for sports.

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 The final meeting was also kindly arranged with the Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania,
HE Masaharu YOSHIDA who accommodated us in his busy schedule and explained indetail the SPORT COOPERATION between Tanzania and Japan, and introduced to us aSport Official from the Ministry who had been deputed to Nagai-city in Yamagata
prefecture for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 pre-training camps preparation. The
Ambassador also suggested the possibility of cooperating with Nagai-city and UT forexpert coaching as TAIIKU has excellent coaches; and emphasis on mid- to long-termcooperation in SPORT extending the TIAS Legacy.
 We were also informed of the ‘Ladies First’ event and the Japanese support for
construction of a BASEBALL FIELD by Japanese (JOVC) support.
 The meeting was at the Embassy in DAR along with Mr. Toshihisa FUJIWARA, Third
Secretary and Leonard.

(Painting at the Embassy of Japan in DAR)FUTURE WORKS-NEXT STEPS (proposed)
1. Development of Training-Coaching and Education programs for the NSC and TPC for
the upcoming Tokyo 2020 GAMES
2. Project proposal for TPC with Toyota in context of management and sporting events for
the PWDs; possible collaboration with NCDA / NSSU-Paralympic Expansion project.
3. Support and participation for the ‘LADIES FIRST’ – T&F Championship for Women in
Tanzania- as also discussed with JICA Tanzania Office and then with the Embassy ofJapan in Tanzania.
4. Introducing a top-level person from NSC to TIAS 5th Batch for strengthening thecollaboration and cooperation with TIAS and UT (Japan).
5. Arrange meeting with the JSC.
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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)

2018

2018, Aug. 20-23:
Work 4 - INDIA: (35)
The
India
part
is
sub-divided
into
2
parts,
one
dealing
with‘HEALTH-SCIENCE-MEDICINE-YOGA’, and the other with SPORT (and SCEINCE) both as part ofProf. Rakwal’s duty at TIAS and University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences.
Yoga is part of the Sports Science and Medicine module and also social innovation projectthrough TIAS.
 First (Aug 20-21) area of field visit and discussion were on the YOGA RESEARCH andthe progress made at TSUKUBA on the yoga education (yoga class at TIAS) and book(‘The Basic Principle of Yoga’, revised version submitted) and training courses forstudents and a new research publication (JYP-PER-18-723 – ‘Yoga for All and Social
Transformation through Body and Mind: Team Yoga and Case of the Tsukuba Health Project’,Journal of Yoga Research and Physiotherapy, submitted), and towards participation in the 3rd

YOGA CONFERENCE in India, University of Patanjali, March 29-31, 2019. The themes
are – a) YOGA and PHYSIOLOGY and b) YOGA and THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS. The
meeting was held at the office of Mr. Ram Kumar GUPTA, Scientist C at the YOGARESEARCH FACILITY, PATANJALI RESEARCH FOUNDATION, Haridwar (India)(http://www.patanjaliresearchfoundation.com/patanjali/index.php/patanjali), on above, andalso YOGA THERAPY for STUDENTS and ATHLETES, DISEASE MANGEMENT, and JOINTRESEARCH. Generating positivity and writing research papers in the next steps forward.
Second area was the cultivation of the a medicinal plant for Health and Disease
management (Kiku-imo) and progress/check on its cultivation, and discussion with Mr.
Sanjeev VERMA (M.Sc. Horticulture, GBPUA&T) at Dehradun for the next humanintervention trials, including ‘supplements’.

16Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

 Continuing to DELHI (Aug 22-23), to coordinate with Mr. MANIKANT SHARMA who
recently graduated the 2nd Batch, and holding the Current position [Assistant Director,
SAI at NS-NIS, Patiala, Punjab, India; Sports Science] towards the next step of enhanced
cooperation between India and Japan at the Government Level, Sports Authority ofIndia (SAI - http://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/; and counterpart of JSA) and University ofTsukuba (TIAS, and also NSSU; as part of the JSA-SFT 3 Academies). The focus is
COACHING (the COACHES) & TRAINING (of ATHLETES, OLYMPIC EDUCATION,PARALYMPIC MOVEMENT, PRE-OLYMPIC TRAINING CAMPS for TOKYO 2020 and
SPORTS SCIENCE CURICULUMN DEVELOPMENT (in context of NS-NIS new Centers forSports Science, and the National Sports University). Meetings were held at the SAI HQ
in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA SOUTH BLOCK); all as part of the LOIs between the 2 organizations, coaching-training
programs, sports science-coaching-Olympic education curriculum, and also the
proposed timelines of MOUs. Starting with Mr. Manikant, we discussed on the
progress on the ‘program of activities’ for 2018 following up on the 2017 fiscal year
sports projects successfully carried out at both Tsukuba and Patiala, and steps
forward on keeping the ‘LEGACY’ of TIAS. Also at SAI HQ – an introduction to the 4th
Batch student, Mr. Dhandapani (AD, SAI) and Mr. Pandit, both of whom will be joining
shortly at TIAS. Four official meetings were held on the day (Aug. 23)-all related to the‘status of cooperation’ between UT (TIAS-TAIIKU) and SAI. These were in series – with Cdr. Rajesh RAJAGOPALAN, CO, TOPS and the TEAMS project Officer, Shri.
Ashwani KUMAR (and who was here in August as part of the SAI delegation to
Japan, also visiting University of Tsukuba-TIAS) on the next steps for the
pre-training CAMPS for Tokyo2020, and where University of Tsukuba is being
considered as a CAMP SITE. Further action will be conveyed and an official
request will be made to Prof. Rakwal in this regards through Embassy of India(EOI) in Tokyo following the conclusion of the Asian Games. Another point wasthe ‘invitation’ to the HOCKEY TEAM for its Junior Team/National Hockey
Academy to train in Japan, and this will be conveyed to the EoI, Tokyo, Dr.
Rupal-Counselor S&T for follow up, as she is in-charge of the sports aspectstoo.
 b) with Mr. Sanjay SARASWAT, Regional Director, SAI on the current status of
MOU signing between SAI and UT and other aspects of the sport cooperation.
Further follow up on the MOU will be taken as soon as possible was theassurance, and look forward to continued cooperation in sport with UT. The
meeting was also joined by Mr. Sathish KUMAR (AD, SAI – ICC & IT).
 c) shifting to the MEA and meeting with Prof. Ashok Kumar CHAWLA, Advisor(Japan) and Dr. Sahil KUMAR (Under Secretary (East Asia II) to update (ontheir request) the background and current status of India-Japan cooperation
on SPORT. Fruitful meeting to clarify all points and steps in the cooperation
between UT and SAI; and the question of the pending signature for the MOU
was also made; however, to note, Prof. Rakwal had this discussion in capacity
as a Teacher at a Japanese University; and it was explained that wheneverrequested Randeep served as a link between the EoI, Tokyo (Dr. Purnima
RUPAL, Counsellor, Science and Technology) and UT (and NSSU) updating JSA.
 d) back to SAI - with Mr. Onkar KEDIA, Special DG, SAI, to update on thecooperation in SPORT between SAI and University of Tsukuba, especially on thesigning of the MOUs (including LNIPE) & PLAN OF ACTION for 2018.
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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba (UT)2018

Currently, back to TIAS-University of Tsukuba, there is renewed vigor and contact with eachcountry/organization (Rwanda – Tanzania – India) and we all look forward to the next steps of
our cooperation in SPORT and most importantly, TIAS LEGACY – supporting its
graduated/current students in on-going projects. To COOPERATE-NETWORK with our partner
SFT / JSA ACADEMIES, for the TOKYO 2020 LEGACY in real terms, is the NEXT STEP.
Thank you ALL.
Warm regards

Signed:Dated: September 5th, 2018----------------------------------------Dr. Randeep RAKWAL, Ph.D.
Professor, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport Studies(TIAS), Global Sport Innovation Bldg., Room 403, UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba,
Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
Email - plantproteomics@gmail.com
Email - rakwal.randeep.fu@u.tsukuba.ac.jp (office)
Mobile – (+81) 090-1853-7875
Office phone – (+81)029-853-2681
Website: http://tias.tsukuba.ac.jp/ ; http://www.trios.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/researcher/0000003045
Thank you: Japan Sport Agency(JSA)(International Affairs Division-Fujimoto
san, Aya san) – University of TsukubaTAIIKU-TIAS (Prof. Hisashi Sanada) – SAISports Authority of India (SAI/NS-NIS) –Embassy of India (Tokyo)(Dr. Purnima Rupal)

Author takes responsibility for this document/write-up, and all errors are mine (Prof. Rakwal).

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