Deputy Minister of Culture, in charge of Sports Mr G. Orfanos’ visit to Japan (Nagano, 25-28.2.05, Tokyo 1-4.3.05) on the occasion of the Nagano Special Olympics.

Deputy Minister of Culture, in charge of Sports Mr. G. Orfanos’ visited Japan, upon invitation by the Organising Committee to attend the 2005 Special Olympics in Nagano.

Deputy Minister Mr. Orfanos and the Greek delegation attended the Opening Ceremony, as well as, athletic events, in which Greek athletes participated. Furthermore, Deputy Minister Mr. Orfanos had very fruitful meetings with the Mayor of Nagano Mr. Washizawa and with the President of the Shinanomainichi Shimbun Mr. Kosaka .

 During Deputy Minister Mr. Orfanos’ stay in Tokyo, he paid a courtesy call to his Japanese counterpart Mr. Shionoya (1.3.05) Mr. Orfanos was also guided at the Japanese Institute of Sport Science, which is one of the most advanced sport and science institutes in Japan.

A cocktail reception was given in the Greek delegation s honour by the Greek Ambassador K. Rodoussakis at the Ambassador s Residence, which was attended by representatives of the Japanese Mofa, members of the Japanese Sport Associations, as well as members of the Greek community in Japan and other friends of the Embassy.