AS a parting gift and legacy to the local judo community, outgoing Philippine Judo Federation President Dave Carter recently received close to P1 million in equipment and gear from the All-Japan Judo Federation during simple turnover rites at the Japan Embassy in Pasay City.
Carter accepted the donation of 97 tatami mats and 100 judo uniforms from Deputy Chief of Mission Minister Yamamoto Yasushi under the Japanese government’s “Sport for Tomorrow” program.
Witnessing the turnover was PJF Treasurer Ma. Lyn Versoza, national judokas John Viron Dalafu Ferrer, Marco Tumampao, Khrizzie M. Pabulayan and Dylwynn Keith Gimena and national coaches Rick Jayson Senales, Gilbert Ramirez and Paul Michael de Vera.
“We are happy to be able to contribute to Filipino athletes through judo, the sport that has a close relationship with Japan,” noted Yamamoto, a judo practitioner during his younger days.
He also cited the country’s success in winning its first Olympic gold medal through weightlifter Hidylin Diaz in the last Tokyo Summer Games.
“When our big brother, Mr. Yamashita Yasuhiro, President of the All-Japan Judo Federation and Japan Olympic Committee and a judo legend, whispered to me the last time we met if we still needed mats and judo gi, of course, I said yes,” Carter said.
“The donation of mats and uniforms will go a long way as these shall be distributed to the member clubs of the Philippine Judo Federation. They will be used for strengthening our grassroots program as we expand our outreach in encouraging young people to take up the sport,” Carter noted.
