20 June 2000

Canterbury youths are being sought to join a delegation to Osaka in Japan.

Those applying must have an interest in youth services, sport, leisure or cultural activities.

The Fendalton-Waimairi Community Board is assisting one of its residents to make the trip if selected.

The New Zealand-Japan Society of Canterbury has been asked by the Osaka Association to select a Christchurch youth team to take part in the 2000 Pan Pacific Youth Gathering in Osaka in September. A party from Osaka will visit Christchurch in November when a Mayoral reception will be held.

The programme will involve 10 Pacific Rim countries with the programme involving a study tour to Kyoto, a Japanese cultural centre, attending an international outdoor cooking festival and participating in a Japanese youth convention at a mountain outdoor lodge.

Delegation members will stay in Japanese homes for three days. Members will be aged between 20 and 30.

Applications will close on 19 July and interviews will be carried out on 26 July.

Team members will have an interest in youth affairs or be active in sporting, community or social support activities. They will have to find about $1700 towards the travel costs but most are expected to seek funding from various groups.

Further information: Peter Tuffley: 379 4795 or 332 7951 or Paul McOscar: 338-3699.