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Awarding a "Special Prize" to Rio Paralympic Medalists
The Japan Disabled Sports Association/Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC) held the "Paralympic Special Awards Ceremony" on October 7 at the Meiji Memorial Hall in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
At the Rio Paralympic Games, the Japanese delegation won 10 silver medals and 14 bronze medals, totaling 24 medals. Special awards were presented to 38 medalists in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
At the ceremony, certificates and reward money certificates were presented to all attending medalists, including swimmer Keiichi Kimura, who won four medals in the men's swimming (visually impaired) events.
JPC President Mitsunori Toriwara, who had rushed to the event after participating in the "Japan Team Joint Parade" held in central Tokyo that same day, expressed his appreciation for the medalists. He stated, "Your achievements have inspired and given courage to many people, and have filled the younger generation with hope. I hope that, taking this award as an opportunity, you will strive even harder as world-class athletes, become role models for many younger athletes, and contribute your strength towards realizing a vibrant, inclusive society through sports."
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Kimura remarked, "Just like with the Olympics, it was heartening that so many people across Japan took an interest in the Paralympics and sent us tremendous support. While daily training and other aspects were tough, I was able to win a medal thanks to the support of so many people." He expressed his determination for the next four years, adding, "Our days of dedicated training for competition have already begun, as we look ahead to the Tokyo Paralympics."
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