International relations, South Africa
12. September 2014
“This is the first karate world cup tournament on the African continent and it gives us a great pride to be able to once more showcase our ability as a country to host major international events.”
Sport has the ability to bridge the cultural divide and is an instrument of peace and social cohesion, President Jacob Zuma said at the opening of the Fourth Kyokushin Karate World Cup in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on 6 September.
The event was hosted by the International Karate Organisation (IKO) Matsushima Group on 6 and 7 September at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban. The tournament was held under three themes namely: self-defence, self-discipline and crime prevention.
The IKO Matsushima is planning to implement community projects focused on taking the youth from the streets and visiting prisons to organise Karate clubs among prisoners, transforming many of the prisoners into disciplined people.
“This goes on to show the immense potential that sports has towards nation-building, and we are honoured this year to host this tournament,” said President Zuma.
Read more: http://www.dirco.gov.za/dircoenewsletter/newsflash132-12-09-2014.html