Back at my “base camp” in Upper Austria, I look back on a wonderful time! On the many encounters, the countless impressions, the summit climb, and another very important chapter in my heartfelt “Everest Judo” project: the opening of the Judo school in Khumjung.
Judo in the Education Program
After returning from Base Camp, I traveled with the IJF Team (International Judo Federation) to Khumjung, where we were warmly welcomed by the children of the Everest Judo Club and had the privilege of inaugurating the Judo school on May 29. It was an incredibly emotional and overwhelming moment.
I am convinced that Judo can change lives, even in these remote valleys! Education through sport and Judo is an excellent tool to create better opportunities for children. I will therefore continue to do everything I can to give children the chance to envision new possibilities in life.
Later in Kathmandu, I met my dear friend Dharma, and together we taught Judo to deaf and blind children. One completely deaf boy told me he felt like he was flying, just like an eagle. I’m not sure who was more emotional and inspired—those kids or me. And this is all thanks to our shared language: Judo.
I stay in daily contact with my friends in Nepal and have since received the wonderful news that the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has incorporated Judo as a part of physical education in all schools in the Khumbu region. This followed the fantastic inauguration of Judo classes in Khumjung on May 29. The values of Judo as an educational method are spreading, and many more children in the Himalayan region will benefit from it.
The Beginning of a Great Chapter
It’s truly amazing and uplifting to see how grateful young people are for support and how much Judo and sports have positively impacted their lives. I am deeply thankful for the support my projects have received so far and look to the future with confidence and motivation. We still have so much ahead of us, and this is just the beginning of the chapter!
Tashi Delek!
Yours,
Sabsi