Japan’s 100 year Olympic legacy marked by foundation of Institute of Olympism
The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) today marked the centenary of its country's active involvement in the Olympic Movement by announcing the creation of the Kano Jigoro Memorial International Sport Institute in Tokyo.The Institute, inaugurated exactly 100 years after Jigoro Kano became the first International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from Asia, will promote the values of Olympism in Japan and across the world. As a demonstration of Japanese society's commitment to the Olympic Movement on all levels, the Institute will focus on Olympic education and research, the fight against doping and programmes to support internationally development through sport. Its establishment will ensure that the legacy of Jigoro Kano - the legendary founder of the long-standing Olympic sport of Judo - will continue to benefit the Olympic Movement. Like Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the IOC, Mr Kano was passionate about the educational qualities of sport. The Institute will serve as a hub for the people of Asia and from across the world for the promotion of the social and cultural values of Olympism, international sporting and intercultural exchange, and world peace through sport. It will also serve as a coordinating organisation for the international aid and contributions made by the Japanese Government and other entities through sports. Formed in partnership by the JOC, the Japan Sports Association (JASA), the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Kano Jigoro Memorial International Sport Institute is also strongly supported by the Japanese business community.
