The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional committee in collaboration with the Unione Ginnastica Goriziana (northern Italy) recently took part in a very original way in the World Judo Day 2019 campaign, whose theme is 'Plant a Tree'.

On the occasion of the second edition of the youth judo circuit held in the province, they decided to join the programme and to raise the awareness on how we could save the Planet. The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional committee declared: “ There are a thousand ways to make a difference. With this initiative we have shown, that judo people are different in a very positive way.“

In coordination with the forest organisations, each participating dojo was given a small tree. Symbolically, the sensei of every club received the precious plant and was designated to carry the message to the youth. "We do not speak only of raising awareness of the little ones. Above all, we want people to understand that we need to foster our values for our common interest. Climate change can put those values in danger“, said the organizers.

Judo, in this case, is not "just" a sport, it is not "just" a martial art. The phrase "happiness is real only when shared" perfectly illustrates what happened in Italy during the event: “We are talking about a network of smiling people, exchanging, telling good stories, hugging and above all people who are determinate.“

During the Youth Criterium hundreds of people participated, including more than 500 young judoka and many volunteers. They met new people, found old acquaintances, drank a little coffee, discovered the art of Japanese writing, exchanged a lot of smiles and shared an incredible number of dreams. The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional committee declared: “You know, dreams are important, but dreams remain if you don't have the strength to make them come true. Sometimes it takes a bit of courage, a bit of madness and a good traveling companion. We don't have much to offer, perhaps, but we have a goal, lots of smiles and the desire to make the world a better place."

The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional committee in collaboration with the Unione Ginnastica Goriziana made the difference. All together they we were more than 500 and distributed 32 trees to be planted soon.

And you, what will you do?

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