SASF Embarks On Matsuyama Exchange Program

View pictures from Japan! (Click on Camellia Match - 8/3/05)

Background:

In July, under the auspices of SASF, a committee was formed to select an 8th/9th grade girls and an 8th/9th grade boys basketball team to participate in a Japan Goodwill Basketball Exchange with Sacramento's sister city Matsuyama, Japan.

The object of this exchange is to promote goodwill between the two countries, to promote the spirit of the game, good sportsmanship and to educate and help the youth of Sacramento to understand the importance of global friendship and to value the traditions and culture of Japan.

The goal is to send these two teams to Matsuyama in July 2005, coached by Harvey Tahara (girls team) and Brandon Yung (boys team). The committee has been meeting almost weekly to promote interest in this project.

Tuesday, September 28, an informational meeting was held in the McClatchy media center. Thirty-four candidates, along with their parents, attended this meeting. At this time, applications and informational material were distributed and discussed. The applications are due October 31, 2004, and by the time this edition of the newsletter appears, hopefully, the two teams will have been selected.

This is truly a worthwhile project, however, there is still much work to be done. Funding, of course, is a major factor. Although the players are expected to finance their own trip, it is hoped that the community, through fundraisers and sponsors will be able to help.

If you would like to become a sponsor or know of someone who would like to become a sponsor, or if you are aware of fundraising opportunities for this group, please contact Christine Kojima (428-7792) or Harvey Tahara 391-4921 or email address Sasf4me@aol.com.

Committee members include Vicky Fong, David Kohaya, Christine Kojima, Satoshi Kojima, Marcia Matsuda and Harvey Tahara. SASF liaisons are Rodney Kunisaki and Rodney Yung. Matsuyama liaisons are Alice Hamamoto and Hiroko Ninomiya.

Don't "dribble" along, "take a shot," and "pass" any help you can give in our direction.  Please help us "score."