Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival to feature sumo, Apr. 20

Cultural News, April 2008

The Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival takes place on April 19, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and April 20, 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Barnes Park in Monterey Park. Scheduled to appear for a second year in a row is the California Sumo Association on Sunday, April 20 at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the south stage.

    Founded in 1998, this unique group is dedicated to teach sumo techniques and training to people of all sizes, ages, backgrounds, and genders. They are educating the public about traditional Japanese sumo, and about international amateur sumo as well as training world class sumo athletes.

  Last year in the festival, (in the photo)  the world sumo champion Byambajav Ulambayar was joined by fellow athletes Americus Abesamis, Mark Sagato, Tamir Dolgormaa and the association’s director Andrew Freund. The group will demonstrate sumo wrestling techniques and compete in mini matches.