Hearts of Gold is an NGO that aims for a society where people can have "hope and courage" through sports and education. It supports the independence of children and others in developing countries, disaster-affected areas and conflict areas.
The organization began with the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon held in December 1996. People involved in the race hoped to share hope and courage across borders, races and disabilities, and launched it as an NGO on October 10, 1998. It received NPO corporation approval from Okayama Prefecture in March 2001 and became a certified NPO corporation in 2012 under Okayama City. Its name comes from the idea that anyone can have a "gold medal of the heart."
Its work centers on two programs: "development support through sports" and "support for young people's independence." The former aims at the healthy growth of children in Cambodia in mind and body, and the latter supports future independence through Japanese-language education. It has 572 members (fiscal 2022) and publishes the results and challenges of its work in annual reports and its newsletter.
Key points
- An organization born from the 1996 Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
- Two pillars: development support through sports and youth independence support through Japanese-language education
- Many ways for citizens to take part, such as booths at marathon events and study tours
Why this organization deserves attention
Its strength is that it starts from sports, an entry point familiar to everyone, and connects it to human resource development and support for independence. It shows an attitude of working alongside local people so that people in developing countries can solve their own problems by their own efforts.
In Japan, too, there are many ways to encounter its work, including booths and goods sales at marathon events across the country, member gatherings and study tours to Cambodia. Runners and supporters alike can take part in their own way.
Editor's comment
The phrase "gold medal of the heart" seems to carry a gentle message that hope and courage belong not only to special people but to everyone. It is an organization that reminds us of the power of sports to connect people.
You may come across its booth at a marathon near you. Why not take a look at its activities and events on the official website?