The South Sudanese team made a special appearance at the Tanzania Koshien Tournament.
Hideki Matsui sent a message of support.

The Japan African Baseball and Softball Promotion Foundation (J-ABS, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shinya Tomonari) co-hosted the "Tanzania Koshien Tournament" (officially the "National Secondary School Baseball and Softball Tournament") with the Tanzania Baseball and Softball Federation from December 11th to 14th, with a total of 250 participants from 10 boys' baseball schools (including South Sudan) and 5 girls' softball schools.

Furthermore, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tournament, a special entry slot was created for the South Sudan team, and J-ABS invited a delegation of 15 athletes using funds raised through crowdfunding.

Why South Sudan? J-ABS's representative director, Tomonari, taught baseball to children on his days off for two years starting in 2018 while working at the JICA South Sudan office. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced two large-scale conflicts, resulting in up to 4 million refugees and displaced persons. Of the 13 players participating in this tournament (average age 18), three have experience living in refugee camps.

At the opening ceremony, the following message from J-ABS Executive Dream Partner, Hideki Matsui, was presented.

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<<Full message>>

Hello to all the baseball and softball players participating in the Tanzania Koshien Tournament! This is Hideki Matsui from New York. Congratulations on the 10th tournament! And congratulations to the South Sudan team on their first-ever participation in the tournament.

In Japan's Koshien tournament, there's a chance to participate five times during your three years of high school, and I was fortunate enough to have wonderful coaches and teammates, allowing me to participate four times. When I first stepped into the batter's box at the age of 16, my legs were shaking uncontrollably. I've never been that nervous, not even in the World Series.

You might feel nervous once the game starts. But believe in yourself and your teammates, and play with all your heart and have fun. It will surely be a wonderful experience and create unforgettable memories.

I heard that the women's softball team will also be visiting Japan next year to participate in the Utsugi Cup. In both baseball and softball, I hope you will strive for victory while upholding the spirit of baseballmanship, demonstrating discipline, respect, and justice.

Hello to all the baseball and softball players participating in the Tanzania Koshien Tournament! This is Hideki Matsui from New York. Congratulations on the 10th edition of the tournament. And congratulations to the South Sudan team for participating in the tournament for the first time.

I had the chance to participate in the Koshien Tournament in Japan five times during my three years of high school, and I was blessed with great mentors and friends, so I was able to participate four times. When I stood in the batter's box for the first time at the age of 16, my legs were shaking and I couldn't stop. I have never been that nervous, even in the World Series.

When the game starts, you might become nervous too. Believe in yourself and your fellow players, who you have been practicing with, and play with all your might, and have fun. It will be a great experience, and you will have unforgettable memories.

I also heard that the women's softball team will visit Japan next year to participate in the "Utsugi Cup" in Takasaki City. In the spirit of Baseballership and Softballership, please work hard victory and demonstrate "discipline, respect and justice".

Good luck!