CHAPTER4 IMPROVING INTERNATIONA LCOMPETITIVENESS AND PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EXCHANGE
SECTION3: PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE THROUGH SPORTS
1. The Hosting of International Competitions
The hosting of international competitions does not only contribute to the prornotion of sports,intemational goodwill and regional promotion,but also provides people with dreams and invigorates them,especially the young,in whose hands lies the responsibility for the coming years,through providing an opportunity to watch competition among the top athletes of the world.According to the"Opinion Survey on Stamina and Sports,"approximately81%of respondents thought that the hosting of international events in Japan was good,showing positive support among the majority of Japanese people.In October1997MESSC established the post of Senior Specialist,International Sports Events,to liaise and coordinate between related minishies and agencies and the JOC regarding invitations to,and the hosting of,international competitions,and to provide guidance and advice on the project planning undertaken by organizations responsible for preparatory management.