About the Event
Undokai is a traditional Japanese Sports Day held in the fall of every year in Japan. It is composed of different sports and physical activities, emphasizing discipline and skill. Undokai Fiesta is a marriage of two traditions wherein the whole school community can experience how the Japanese celebrate their Sports Day, while also doing activities similar to a Philippine fiesta.
The Japan Foundation, Manila is on board with the Paralympic 2020 which will be held in Japan. With one of the Tokyo 2020 Game’s three Core Concepts which is “Unity in Diversity”, the Undokai Fiesta will include learners from Kinder to Grade 6, as well as the students under Special Education (SPED). The Undokai Fiesta’s main goals are (1) to emphasize the value of teamwork, discipline, and effort of the learners; (2) and to the enhance the spirit of collaboration and unity of all the participants through undokai; and (3) promote social inclusion and diversity by involving students from different backgrounds and students with special needs.
Moreover, two guest athletes will also be delivering a talk during the event. Mr. Edwin Villanueva, a member of the Philippine Paralympic swimming team, and Ms. Yuri Fukuda, a Japanese volleyball player for Petron Blaze Spikers, will share their personal stories as athletes and hopefully inspire the students to gain an understanding and enthusiasm for teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
Mr. Hiroaki Uesugi, Director of the Japan Foundation, Manila, explains more about the vision of this project: “This is the first time that such a cross-cultural sports program will be held in the region. Aligning with the Paralympics 2020, our event aims to promote the value of physical fitness and sports, as well as to foster inclusion and diversity.”
Mr. Dos Barrientos, principal of Malay Elementary School, also shares: “The Undokai Fiesta is a great opportunity for our public school students to experience the rich culture of Japan. On behalf of Malay Elementary school community, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Japan Foundation and to all the people behind this project. Abo gid nga Saeamat!”