The 28th Fukuoka Dental Hygienist Association Sports Meeting took place on 24 October on an unusually sunny day at the Fukuoka Dental University grounds.

Students at the Fukuoka Resort and Sports College helped out with preparing and running the event, which was valuable experience as they all hope to work in sports related fields in the future.

The event also included some 'green events' such as a race to collect bottles and cans spread out across the ground, or a water saving race where competitors must carry water across a course without spilling it. The purpose was to instill environmental awareness while enjoying sport.

We hope that other organizations and local events will include a 'green events' section in their events.

(Hiroyuki Ito, GSA Kyushu/ Okinawa)

The second "eco-s" Mountain Clean Caravan took place on 16 October 2004 at the Arai Mountain and Spa Ski Resort. 24 skiers and snowboarders gathered at the mountain on this brisk autumn day to collect garbage. The day coincided with the first covering of snow on the mountaintop and everyone felt an sense of excitement for the coming winter sports season. The next event on the "eco-s" schedule is the Skijam Katsuyama in Fukui prefecture on 31

Full report http://www.eco-s.jp/report_02.html (Japanese only)

The first "eco-s" Mountaineering Caravan took place at the Minakami Okutane Ski Resort, Gunma prefecture on 25 September 2004. There is nothing like the smell of mountain greenery and the members developed a new appreciation for the mountain environment that allows them to enjoy snowboarding. All the members took part in collecting garbage and the "eco-s" flag flew alongside the Ecoflag as symbols of our actions. We are planning to hold another event at the ARAI MOUNTAIN & SPA resort on 16 October.

Full report http://www.eco-s.jp/report_01.html (Japanese only)

120 participants in 24 teams played 4 rounds (32 holes) over the two-day competition on 14-15 September. Attendance was only about half the usual due to the influence of typhoons 16 and 18, but a fierce competition ensued none-the-less.

This off-road triathlon event, incorporating a swim, mountain bike ride and trail run, took place on 27-29 August.

Originating in Hawaii, 170 such events have taken place in 13 countries, and in addition to the individual championship running across the 32 km course in the beautiful Nikko mountain region, there are relay and shorter children’s events.

The Ecoflag was flying throughout the event.

Last summer we explored the ocean environment with Dr. Jack T. Moyer, but this year we are learning about the creatures that live in the nation's rivers. After catching fish we check what variety they are and then quickly release them back into the river. Children from last year are with us alongside some new recruits, and they are learning and making friends together.