Qatar's FM inaugurates Qatar sports park in Japan

HE Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah officially inaugurated on Sunday Qatar Sports Park in Shirakawa City, one of the most affected regions in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster and floods that hit Japan in 2011.
Qatar Sports Park is part of the new major projects announced by Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF) which was launched at an initiative of HH the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in a bid to support the rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the earthquake disaster that hit regions of northeastern Japan.
The project also comes in the course of the efforts made to further strengthening friendship and cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and the State of Japan.
Qatar Friendship Fund funded Qatar Sports Park Shirakawa at a total cost of approximately 5.8 million US dollars. The project will benefit about 150,000 people of all ages including aspiring athletes and students.
The project will comprise a new complex, including a sports center, gymnasium and stadium, and will provide a safe and modern sporting facility for the community, with extended health benefits for local residents and serve as a venue for local competitions and other activities.
Commenting on the occasion, HE the Foreign Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah said that the earthquake that hit eastern Japan was a setback in the lives of millions of people specifically in Fukushima.
The launch of Shirakawa sports facility reflects the depth of partnership and friendship between the peoples of Qatar and Japan, and the spirit of mutual trust and close cooperation, which is embodied by the projects implemented by Qatar Friendship Fund, which was established under the guidance of HH the Emir of Qatar, HE the Foreign Minister said.
He noted that both the Qatari and Japanese people appreciate the sport and its importance to maintain the physical and mental health, stressing that this center represents the will of life for residents of this area, and their lasting passion for sport and community development.
He expressed hope that the project would contribute to the development and reconstruction of the region through the rehabilitation of individuals, and wished success for the young athletes to participate in the activities of the World Cup 2022, to be hosted by Qatar.
HE the Foreign Minister reiterated Qatar's commitment to support the Japanese people and to 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 center includes an internal sports facility under the name "Al Enabi Plaza" in reference to the color of the flag of the State of Qatar and the name given to Qatar national sports teams. It includes internal interactive lounge characterized by safe environment specifically designed to meet the needs of young children and their families.
At the beginning of last year, the city celebrated the rebuild of outside courts through the organization of an athletics event for two hundred students from preparatory and secondary schools. The track of the Center was adopted in September 2014 as part of Shirakawa Marathon. The Center also hosted last December Japanese football stars conducted training for about 200 students.
The outstanding students who participated in the football activities organized in December 2014 were honored in the presence of HE Qatar's Ambassador to Japan and the Goodwill Ambassador to the Qatar Friendship Fund.
Mayor of Shirakawa City Kazuo Suzuki expressed gratitude for the efforts exerted by the Qatar Friendship Fund in the reconstruction of the city, noting that thanks to the Fund support, it was possible to launch such a sports facility.
For his part, the Goodwill Ambassador to the Qatar Friendship Fund Tetsuya Bessho hailed the historic relations between Qatar and Japan, noting that the projects implemented by the Fund would further strengthening relations in all areas such as education, culture, development and trade exchange.