Japan
TEAM JAPAN MAKE INCREDIBLE GESTURE
Posted by Japan - 21.06.2011
Despite the adversity faced in their own lives the Japan squad for the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup are reaching out to help those in need.
In March 2011 the natural disasters in Japan left widespread and lasting damage to the country and the loss of thousands of lives.
Thankfully, all of the staff and vendors of the Big Issue in Japan (the organisers of the Japan team) survived and are still finding the strength to re-build their lives and play football, striving to take part at the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup.
Now, as they prepare for the Paris event, the Japan team and other vendors are playing their part in the relief effort.
Miku Sano of the Big Issue in Japan explains: “Our players and vendors decided to do volunteer work to assist the communities in Tohoku, one of the areas badly hit by the disaster.
“We will keep going back once a month to the small fishing villages of 20 to 100 people where most of their houses are destroyed by the tsunami and lives lost.
“These are the people who are not on the top of the list in the recovery effort but need help the most.”
In a remarkable gesture the Japan team will continue to support local communities’ right up until they travel to the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup in August.
Displaying great humility and tremendous strength in the face of adversity, Team Japan has already made their nation proud.