Lao and Japanese officials gather for a group photo after the workshop in Vientiane on Friday.

JICA, education ministry promote Lao sports through Japanese experience

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Laos Office and Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports are partnering to promote the value and power of sports in the management and maintenance of sports stadiums in Laos, based on Japan’s experience.
A workshop titled “Value and Power of Sports - Japan’s Experience under the Organisation of JICA” took place in Vientiane on March 17.
Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Daravone Kittiphanh; Minister, Embassy of Japan to Laos, Mr Nakano Junya; and Chief Representative of the JICA Laos Office, Mr Nagase Toshio, led the workshop.
The event was also attended by officials from the ministry, the National Paralympic-Olympic Committee, Physical Education College, National Stadium Complex in Vientiane, athletes, and other sports-related bodies.
The workshop raised the issues facing sports in Laos, comparing the situation to that in Japan. Participants discussed the appropriate use, operation and maintenance of stadiums and a possible study for counterpart training to be conducted in Japan this autumn.
A presentation titled “the Value of Sports in Laos and the Chao Anouvong Stadium” was delivered, along with a talk on the bridge to be made through football using the philosophy applied by the J-LEAGUE and how the J-LEAGUE connects Japan and Southeast Asia.
Hometown activities such as how the Omiya Ardija contributes to local communities through sports, the value of sports in social participation, and a possible training programme in Japan were also shared.
The workshop enabled participants to share ideas with Japanese presenters from the J-LEAGUE, JICE and Omiya Ardija.
Dr Daravone highlighted the importance of the Chao Anouvong Stadium for Laos, especially for disabled athletes.
“The stadium is the main place used for public, general sports and Paralympic sports in Laos. Training on stadium management and maintenance in Japan will be a good experience for officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports to prepare and learn how to conduct a well-managed system in order to maintain the stadium for long-term use, based on Japanese practices,” she said.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 23, 2023)