Keio University concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the British Paralympic Association (BPA) represented by CEO Tim Hollingsworth regarding the preparation camp of ParalympicsGB for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games together with Kawasaki City and the City of Yokohama. The MOU Signing Ceremony was held at Keio University’s Hiyoshi Campus on Thursday, May 24, 2018.
The four partners aim to facilitate exchange not only in relation to the preparation camp, but in the disciplines of sports science, medicine, and education, in various cultural fields, and with the regional communities. Among the attendees were the British Judo Team headed by Ian Johns, which held a Randori session with members of the Keio Judo Club earlier that morning.
Keio University President Akira Haseyama acknowledged the team as he gave his speech, stating that “Para-athletes allow us to realize just how diverse the world is and are the prime example of how much one can achieve.” He also expressed his belief “that working as a team together with the world-class para-athletes and the support staff of ParalympicsGB here at Hiyoshi Campus will have a hugely positive influence, and I am certain that this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not only for our students, but for the whole Keio community.” Furthermore, he reinforced the university’s commitment and support by adding that “Keio will do all it can to impart the strength and vitality of this event and ensure the athletes of ParalympicGB will be able to compete at their highest level.”
It should also be noted that Keio and the two cities officially agreed to host the preparation camp of Team GB in March 2017.
Reference:
ParalympicsGB Website