NEWS

ICU Instructor Hiroshi Yamauchi, Assistant Soccer Referee of the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games Receives Encouragement Award

Update: September 2, 2016

served as an assistant soccer referee in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games held from August 3, 2016, was granted Encouragement Award from the Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency in recognition of his contribution as a sports referee.

Instructor Yamauchi's career as a soccer referee (games he attended, etc.)

2014: Registered as an international referee (assistant referee)
2015: Participated in FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand
2016: Listed as prospective assistant referee for FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016

Please tell us how it was to serve as a referee in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games

When I stood on the pitch at Brasilia, I was filled with gratitude for all the warm support that had been extended to me. The 90 minutes passed in a flash because I was really concentrating on the game, trying to live up to the passion of the Olympic players. The experience gave me confidence as we were able to guide the players to play a fair game with very few fouls. It has also been an invaluable experience to have spent time sharing diverse cultures with referees from 38 countries on 6 continents.

Comments on receiving the Encouragement Award and future prospects

I am deeply honored to have received such an award as a member of ICU. I feel that this award was given to encourage a sports referee engaged in international games, while having a different profession as well. This could never have been realized without the warm support from my colleagues and I am filled with gratitude anew. I hope to continue to contribute to peacebuilding through sports, aside my educational and research activities at ICU. Thank you very much for your continued support.