Remarks at the Opening of the 2011 Australian National Sumo Championships on Saturday 15th October 2011
Mr Martin Stirling, President of the Oceania Sumo Federation,
Ms Katrina Watts, President of the Australian Sumo Federation,
Mr Joe Zappia, President of the Victorian Sumo Association,
Ladies and Gentleman,
It is my great pleasure to speak at the opening of the 2011 Australian National Sumo Championships. The Australian Sumo Federation will celebrate its tenth year in 2012. Over its relatively short history the ASF has had great success, including winning several medals at international events. These awards include the team championship and several individual medals at the Oceania Sumo Championships which has a very high standard of sumo wrestling. This is a significant achievement and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those people involved in its organisation.
Although some people may not immediately realise it, today’s championship is a terrific opportunity for cultural learning. Sumo wrestling is as much a part of Japanese culture and tradition as many of the more widely known aspects of Japanese life, such as sakura cherry-blossom viewing, or the art of the tea ceremony. I also understand that the ASF is involved in several annual activities that promote Japanese culture in Australia. Chief among these activities is the annual sumo demonstration at the Japanese Garden in Cowra. The gardens in Cowra were planted to respect the Japanese War Cemetery located in the town and symbolise the connection between Australia and Japan. I hope that the ASF continues to use the gardens for its annual event.
I am very pleased to see the Championships being held in Victoria this year, offering the people of Melbourne the chance to witness a high standard of competition they would otherwise be unable to experience. As the ‘sporting capital of Australia’ it is also gratifying that Melbourne continues to host a diverse range of sports and championships, as well as more mainstream events such as the Grand Final, or the Spring Racing Carnival. I would like to congratulate the AFS and the Victorian Sumo Association for hosting such an impressive event in the Victorian capital.
The origin of sumo dates back many centuries. The current professional tournaments were first held in the 17th Century but the roots of the martial art are derived from Shinto practices that have existed since ancient times. The ritualistic elements of the sport have been maintained and the importance of these rules and practices mean that sumo is closely tied to Japanese culture and tradition. The discipline required in the formal training for sumo is incredibly demanding, as I’m sure most of the competitors here today will be aware.
The sort of sumo wrestling that you view today will not be the same as the traditional sumo you may have seen in Japan, although it shares many of the core values and principles. For one thing, women are not permitted to compete in traditional sumo, so it is tremendous to see that so many competitors, both male and female, are able to compete in a competition such as this championship.
One of the most valuable features of sport is that it can enable interaction between ordinary people of different nationalities and cultures. Whilst Australia and Japan share very important trade and security links, it is this sort of people-to-people interaction and exchange that gives the relationship between our counties special value
I would encourage all of you here today to take full advantage of the opportunity to view what I’m sure will be a day of intense competition and personal endeavor. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ASF for choosing to hold the 2011 championship in Melbourne, as well for the hard work in coordinating the event. To the competitors, I would also like to say that it is only with your sporting spirit and dedication that the success of an event like today’s championship is possible. Thank you for supporting the sport of sumo and continuing to add to the Australia-Japan relationship.
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope that you all enjoy the championship.
Thank you.