Hi Everyone and Happy Year of the Tiger!
Are you ready for the world to descend on us in Vancouver and Whistler, BC for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics (February 12-28, 2010) and Paralympics (March 12- 21, 2010)? I hope you are ready to welcome our many visitors for this once-in-a-lifetime event. I was here in Vancouver for Expo 67 (86?) and although I was working much of the time, I did enjoy many of the activities and events when I had a chance. Although there are many issues associated with the Olympics here in Vancouver, I mainly support the many amateur athletes and their support staff who will have dedicated many long hours in order to represent their countries in their chosen sport (or sports!). It is amazing how much money and time is required in order for the athletes to be able to reach this level but also sad for the many who either just missed or are not ready to achieve success.
The other thing is that the Olympics will provide is an opportunity to host relatives and friends and spend time with people you may not otherwise see. Also we can showcase the diverse, multicultural society that we sometimes take for granted, living in our beautiful city.
In addition to the sporting events and paid performances, there will plenty of free events to take part in. If you have Internet access, visit the Bulletin/Geppo website http://jccabulletin-geppo.ca/ and click on Presidents message and view the links there. There you will be able to click the links to a number of free attractions and events. I always love the opportunity to listen to music and see the arts in our multicultural city and region.
As driving will be very difficult during this time period, I would encourage everyone to use public transportation, especially the Skytrain, to get to events. You can plan your transit journey by going online to http://tripplanning.translink.ca/ . Take appropriate clothes and gear and if you are travelling in a group, plan out where to meet in case you become separated. I know this anxiety first-hand.
I hope you all enjoy this Olympics and please be safe!
Back to GVJCCA business, I would like to thank all our sponsors and donors for such a great Keiro-kai, which was held on January 9 at Nikkei Place. If we did not have the support of our donors and sponsors, the expense of honouring our Nikkei seniors would be daunting, especially given our present economic times. We had a wonderful program and I know all our 180-plus seniors who are over 70 years enjoyed themselves. The GVJCCA also thanks the many volunteers , Tonari Gumi, and Nikkei Place for all their support.
I also would like to thank the Shinnen-kai Committee for such a great turn out and event. The annual New Year’s Celebration is always a special treat for all of us. Your dedication and hard work is always appreciated.
On March 20, 2010 the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadians Citizens’ Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting at Nikkei Place from 2 – 4 PM. Nominations are being accepted for our Board of Directors for the upcoming term. The GVJCCA is seeking individuals who will be able to work within the framework of the Japanese Canadian community and its budgetary confines in maintaining its mandate and its purposes. Its purposes are outlined below:
• developing and maintaining a communication network with multicultural societies in Canada and internationally
• promoting the appreciation and study of the arts and culture of Japanese Canadians through the organization of community and cultural events
• educating the Canadian public about the history and cultural heritage of Japanese Canadians and the preservation of these values
• the education of the citizens of Canada in the various responsibilities expected in Canadian citizenship
• protecting and promoting the rights and freedoms of all individuals without any discriminatory practices
• and publishing a forum in the means of a journal for issues significant to its members, persons with Japanese ancestry and others of interest.
Please join us in working to build a stronger tomorrow for our children and children’s children.
Have a great 2010 Olympic month!
Ron Nishimura, President GVJCCA
