03/09/1925 – 04/08/2024
On August 4, 2024, Professor Tetsuo Sakai passed away just short of his 99th birthday, ending a life of service to others and, particularly, to youth of Japan. In 1950, he began a long and distinguished career with the YMCA of Japan. He directed YMCA Camp Anan in its earliest years and went on to Chair both the Osaka Camp Association and the National Camping Association of Japan.
In associated work, Tetsuo Sakai was a professor at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Osaka University of Health and Science and Shoei Junior College in Kobe. He inspired many young leaders to pursue a similar life of service to youth.
The ICF Community remembers Professor Sakai’s leadership, professionalism and warmth as the Honorary Chair of the Fifth International Camping Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 2000. In addition, he was presented the ICF Abbott Fenn Druzhba Award in 2008.
A life well-lived leaves a legacy as it inspires and ripples through the lives of others.
