Cambodian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Grateful for Warm Welcome in Japan

The Cambodian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team made a groundbreaking visit to Japan as part of the JENESYS program. With the aim of fostering friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries, the 15-member team took part in joint training sessions with the Kyushu Dolphin, the Japanese Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, learning new strategies, techniques, and teamwork. 

What is the JENESYS Program?

The JENESYS is a program launched by the Japanese government to promote cultural and people-to-people exchange among the youth of Japan and participating countries. Before the event, the Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball athletes was received by H.E. Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia in a send-off ceremony in Japan Embassy.  The team expressed deepest gratitude to Japan Embassy for their support of the rehabilitation and social inclusion of Cambodia.

Team captain, Ms. Sieng Sokchan, expressed her gratitude for the JENESYS program experience, saying, “We are grateful for the warm welcome we received from the Japanese hosts and the cultural exchange experience. We hope to bring back what we learned to our team in Cambodia and improve our performance.” 

The team also had the opportunity to experience Japanese culture, visiting places such as the Japan Olympic Museum, temples, and traditional Japanese restaurants, as well as participating in tea ceremonies. 

To read about the JENESYS program click here.

The Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball Federation

The Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball Federation, led by H.R.H. Princess Sisowath Kanthireth (Honorary President) and Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch (President), is an organization dedicated to promoting wheelchair basketball and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities. 

“We believe that sports have the power to unite people and promote inclusion and national pride. Through wheelchair basketball, we can showcase the ‘Khmer can-do’ spirit of Cambodia. Under the wise leadership and full support from Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, I am confident that Cambodian team will perform well in the upcoming Para Games.” Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch stated.

He further added that the team, who receive sponsorship from Prince Group were busy preparing for the 12th ASEAN Para Games, which are also being hosted in Cambodia.

To read about the mens Cambodian Wheelchair Team click here

The ASEAN Para Games is a biennial multi-sport event held after every Southeast Asian Games involving disabled athletes. The range of disabilities varies and include being that have gone through amputations. Due the legacy of the Cambodian Civil War the country has a high proportion of amputees. As a result of this amputee sports receive heavy government backing within the Kingdom, with high hopes that both the mens and omens teams can return with medals at the games.