We supported planning and operating of athletic meets (undokai) in five districts, known as infested with murder, drugs and gangs, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The undokai is one programme conducted in these districts aiming at engaging the whole community to create a better living environment to nurture youth.

In addition to the events familiar to Japanese such as tug-of-war and long rope jumping, the undokai programme also included a math competition and other original events created by young people and local residents, and football games, too. Football is much loved by the people of Honduras. The participants greatly enjoyed the programme and variety of events, laughing and cheering. Joint planning and organising the undokai events in this way has strengthened ties between young people and local residents and also opened up a valuable opportunity for the youths to find their own places and roles in their communities, rather than in gangs.