ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti began his trip to Japan for the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas tie between Japan and Argentina by visiting the earthquake and tsunami ravaged city of Sendai.
Today he met with Emiko Okumaya, Mayor of Sendai, and Shuichi Miura, Vice Governor of the Miyagi Prefectural Government, as well as local representatives of the Japan Tennis Association (JTA).
Accompanied by Eiichi Kawatei, Honorary Life Vice President of the ITF, the President discussed ways that the ITF can advise and help the area rebuild their tennis facilities once the immediate crisis has passed.
“Everyone in the tennis family was moved by the disaster that struck Japan a few months ago and offered their condolences and their support to help rebuild this part of Japan,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti.
“While we were relieved that all of our colleagues in the JTA were safe after the earthquake and tsunami, we are also aware that much of the country suffered great devastation. I want to assure the JTA and the citizens of Sendai that we will help them in their efforts to restore tennis facilities for the future.”