At 15 months of the Summer Olympics that will take place in Tokyo (Japan) from July 24 to August 9, 2020, Ewing Charles, the Minister of Youth and Sports participated in a first preparatory meeting on the participation of Haitian athletes in this XXXII Olympiad, with the Ambassador of Japan accredited in Haiti, Mitsuaki Mizuno and Dr. Hans Larsen, President of the Haitian Olympic Committee (COH) who greatly appreciated the accompaniment of the Minister Charles whom he considers essential at this stage and which comes by its presence to erase the worries of the COH regarding an honorable participation of our athletes in these high level sports games.

"These games are of paramount importance, can revive the image of Haiti and convey the Haitian culture with our brave athletes," said Minister Charles to Ambassador Mizuno, adding confident "We have 8 athletes, 3 of whom are already qualified ; the others are still fighting to obtain their qualification for the 2020 Olympics [...]"

Mr. Edwing Charles discussed with Ambassador Mizuno the essential support needs of the Haitian delegation regarding visas, travel expenses and other needs to be filled so that Haitian athletes and COH do not miss anything when Haiti participates in these Olympiads. "[...] some athletes have to adapt to the competitive climate before playing, while others, who do not care, go there a few days before D-Day," said Larsen.

In addition, Minister Charles received the invitation of the Japanese Ambassador to his hometown festival which will take place during 3 days after the Olympics. A very first for Haiti in relations with Japan which will not fail on this occasion to shine the Haitian culture in this circumstance.

HL/ BF/ HaitiLibre