Shirakawa-shi, Japan: Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah yesterday inaugurated Qatar Sports Park in Shirakawa-shi City, one of the most affected regions in the aftermath of the earthquake and floods that hit eastern Japan in 2011.
The park is part of new projects announced by Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF) which was launched at an initiative of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to support rehabilitation efforts.
It is also part of efforts to further strengthen cooperation between Qatar and Japan.
QFF provided about $5.8m for the park which will benefit about 150,000 people, including aspiring athletes and students.
The project will comprise a complex, a sports centre, gymnasium and stadium and will provide a safe and modern facility for the community with extended health benefits and serve as a venue for local competitions and activities.
Dr Al Attiyah said the earthquake was a setback in the lives of millions of people, specially in Fukushima. The park reflects the depth of partnership and friendship between the peoples of Qatar and Japan and mutual trust and cooperation, embodied by the projects implemented by QFF, he said.
Dr Al Attiyah said Qatari and Japanese people are aware of the importance of sports in maintaining physical and mental health and stressed that the park represents the will of residents and their passion for sport and community development.
He hoped the project would contribute to the development and reconstruction of the region through the rehabilitation of people and wished young athletes will participate in activities of FIFA World Cup 2022 to be hosted by Qatar.
He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to support the Japanese people and maintain the 40 years of friendship.
The local gymnasium in Shirakawa was used as a refuge centre for families seeking shelter from the disaster at the nearby Fukushima Daiichi power station.
The centre includes a sports facility named Al Enabi Plaza in reference to the colour of the Qatari flag and the name given to Qatar national sports teams. It includes an interactive lounge characterised by safe environment to meet the needs of young children and families.
At the beginning of last year, the city celebrated the rebuild of outside courts with an athletics event for about 200 students from preparatory and secondary schools.
The track in the centre was used in September 2014 as part of Shirakawa Marathon.
The centre also hosted last December Japanese football stars who trained about 200 students.
The outstanding students who participated in football activities were honoured in the presence of the Qatari Ambassador and QFF Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuya Bessho.
Shirakawa City Mayor Kazuo Suzuki praised QFF’s efforts in the reconstruction of the city and the park. Bessho hailed historic relations between Qatar and Japan and said the projects implemented by QFF would further strengthen ties in all areas, including education, culture, development and trade exchange. QNA
