From Brazil
Players from 6 countries from South America “Play Ball” Brazil GB Union's 20th
Anniversary International Friendship Tournament
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Brazil GB Union an international friendship
tournament was held on July 13 and 14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with 5 countries from
South America; Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Japan with a total of 152
teams. Players were divided into the over-70 elderly group and the under-69 mature-age
group. 19 red clay courts were used and were divided into A and B sections. The
winners of section A played the runners-up of section B, and the winners of section
B played the runners-up of A. The winners of these games played in the final.
Many local Brazilian players could be seen using the 'matagi-uchi'.
Also, quite a few participants traveled over 1000kms to the venue on overnight
busses ? it was winter vacation at the time.
3rd and 4th generation Japanese students were noticeable. Recently, in regional
parts of Brazil, GB is spreading in popularity among young people and their level
is improving. The team which has won the All Brazil Championships three times
is centered around young players. A team from a hot spring facility for GB devotees
was also active.
Moreover, in Sao Bernard Do Campo near Sao Paulo, the city is very cooperative
in promoting GB. It has plans to create 2 courts specifically for GB in a section
of a sports ground in the city center. It appears GB is likely to spread among
others than those of Japanese descent. |
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A total of 152 teams from South America (5 countries) and Japan
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Politicians of Japanese descent are guests at the tournament celebrating the 20th
anniversary |
The magnificent Iguacu Falls which border Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay |
Officials from the South American countries (from right); Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil,
Argentina and Peru |
The Memuro-cho team from Hokkaido, Japan |
Students who used their winter holidays to travel from other regions
by overnight bus to the venue |
At the reception on the day before the event (from right) Brazil
GB Union President, Mr. Hondou, Sao Paulo City Sports Department Chief, Japan
GB Union Director, Mr. Endo
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An event reminiscent of the Rio Carnival at the reception on the
day before the event |
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