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Rio Paralympics Japanese National Team Formation Ceremony and Farewell Party Aiming for 10 Gold Medals
On August 2, the Japan Disabled Sports Association and the Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC) held a team formation ceremony and send-off party for the Japanese delegation to the Rio Paralympics at Hotel New Otani Tokyo in Chiyoda Ward.
The event drew a press corps larger than that covering the Rio Olympic Japanese delegation, signaling heightened interest in disabled sports and the Paralympics.
■ Team Formation Ceremony
At the outset, JPC President Mitsunori Toriwara referenced the July attack on people with disabilities in Sagamihara City, stating, "While society's awareness of disabilities is growing and transformation toward an inclusive society is progressing, such heinous acts are absolutely unforgivable." He then led attendees in a moment of silence for the victims. The Games will feature 22 sports and 528 events, with Japan participating in 17 sports.
Chairman Torihara announced that the Japanese delegation consists of 225 members: 127 athletes, 15 competition partners, and 83 officials and staff. He addressed them, saying, "Carry the awareness and pride of representing Japan. Fully demonstrate the results of your daily training. Interact with athletes from around the world, transcending sports and national boundaries. Foster strong bonds among athletes as we look ahead to the Tokyo 2020 Games."
On stage, the team flag was presented. Team Captain Hiroya Otsuki handed it to flag bearer Yui Uechi (Wheelchair Tennis), assisted by Team Captain Reo Fujimoto (Wheelchair Basketball).
Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Hiroshi Hashi stated, "This is the first Games since the Sports Agency assumed jurisdiction. We pledge to continue providing all possible cooperation in improving training environments, supporting staff, and assisting the operations of each sports federation." Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister Toshiaki Endo added, "The greatest challenge for the 2020 Games is creating an inclusive society. Your achievements in Rio will pave the way for Tokyo."
Brazilian Ambassador to Japan André Coelho de Lago offered congratulations, saying, "In Rio, I hope you enjoy not only the competitions, but also the beauty of the city and interactions with the local people. There is a human bond between our two countries, and now the bridge of the Paralympics is being built. I hope you cross this bridge and bring home many medals."
Team Leader Otsuki stated, "Every member of the team feels a heightened sense of responsibility. Let's work together to deliver outstanding performances in Rio and ensure the Tokyo Paralympic venues are filled to capacity." He revealed Team Japan's goal for Rio is to win 10 gold medals and rank within the top 10 in the overall medal count.
Captain Fujimoto expressed his resolve: "We feel unprecedented levels of attention and high expectations. I want to transform the weight of my captaincy into positive tension as we take on the challenge. To pass the baton to 2020 and achieve even greater leaps forward, we will strive harder. We ask for your support."
■ Farewell Party
At the opening of the send-off party held at a different venue, the athletes entered led by escort kids.
The escort kids were children from Chiba City, Tokyo's Adachi Ward, Koto Ward, and Shibuya Ward, where the "Disabled Athlete Exchange Caravan" had been held to let them experience the appeal of disabled sports.
(Related article: Cheers Echo Through Elementary School: "Disabled Athlete Exchange Caravan"[2016.04.21] )
From the stage, the children addressed the athletes, expressing gratitude for their visit, sharing the joy of para sports, and acknowledging the athletes' hard work. They conveyed that Japan would cheer them on with all its might. Then, in unison, they shouted encouragement: "Send a big cheer all the way to Rio! Go Japan!"
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a video message stating, "Your achievements symbolize a 'Society Where Everyone Can Thrive,' where everyone—regardless of gender, age, or disability—can pursue their dreams and realize their potential and abilities."
Sports Agency Commissioner Daichi Suzuki drew laughter as he proposed a toast, saying, "Not that the Sports Agency is putting pressure on you, but please do bring home some medals!"
Athletes, who typically have little interaction across different sports, formed lively conversation circles throughout the venue, building their energy for the tournament.
■"BIG YELL!"
The JPC is currently running the "BIG YELL! Send Your Cheers" campaign, inviting people from all over Japan to send messages of support to Japan's national athletes and teams.
Flag boards have been set up at competition venues and events to collect messages of support from attendees. These messages were displayed at the team formation ceremony and send-off event and are also scheduled to be displayed at the Rio Athletes' Village.
Starting August 2nd, the official website ( http://bigyell.jp/ ) will begin accepting new cheers. The site is linked to Twitter, enabling athletes to send direct messages to supporters before and during the Games. The website also features the cheer video shown at the send-off ceremony.
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