Activity Report of 2008

Promotion of sports for the disabled Category Cooperation, donation, supporting organization Partners of ooperation activities, sending supplies Barrier-free Education Network (Tennoji Junior High School),Cambodian Disbled People's Organization（CDPO）, Kasumigaura Marathon Executive Committee Background: Hearts of Gold (HG) has engaged in supportive activities to hold Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (AWHM) at Angkor Wat, World Heritage Site since 1996. In Cambodia there are many landmine survivors. HG has helped them to enjoy sports using wheelchairs and artificial limbs since 1997. Supportive activities for the disabled depend on International Committee of the Red Cross and NGO overseas due to insufficient focus on national welfare policy for the disabled. At the beginning, only a few disabled people participated in the marathon. But about 100 people with wheelchairs and with artificial limbs and arms took part in it last year. HG put importance on the management of Cambodian Disabled Athletics Federation- CDAF. HG financially helped CDAF renovate the office with Okayama Setouchi Lion's Club in 2005. HG has continuously provided financial support for maintaining the office and training since then. A disabled woman, Ms Sokha who lives in Banteai Srei participated in the first AWHM as a supporter. She had chances to run in AWHM after that. Since then she has exchanged friendship with HG. She got the skill as a wooden-statue sculptor, and she became independent. Activity outline Donation of 62 wheelchairs Barrier-free Education Network donated 62 used wheelchairs. HG took the procedure to send them to CDAF. The 62 wheelchairs were sent to disabled people in Kampong Thom. Disabled people in Kampong Thom have close ties with CDAF. HG invited disabled athletes to marathon races. Kasumigaura Marathon (Ibaraki, Japan) HG invited one landmine survivors with artificial arms to the marathon. Angkor Wat International Half Marathon HG invited disabled runners to the 13th Angkor Watt International Half Marathon. (21 with wheelchair, 54 with artificial legs and arms) Financial support for running CDAF Expenses for training disabled runners and operating cost ( $1540 in 2008) HG has given self-reliance support for a disabled person, Ms. Sokha. HG supported her to sell her carvings.   I thank HG very much. I can visit many places thanks to the wheelchair. I can go to school with the wheelchair. Greeting at the eve of Kasumigaura marathon A pledge for fair play Person in charge HG staff members of HG Asia Office, Head office and East Japan/ West Japan branch offices Next execution plan HG will continue to donate wheelchairs in cooperation with Barrier-free Education Network. HG will invite disabled runners to Kasumigaura Marathon in Japan. HG will invite disabled athletes to the 14th AWHM. HG will support Ms. Sokha and her works. Fundage Barrier-free Education Network, Heart of Gold Iida Club, Kasumigaura Marathon Executive Committee