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Support and the dream of 300 million yen with the "Tokyo 2020 Games Sponsorship Lottery"
The "Tokyo 2020 Games Sponsorship Lottery" (727th National Autonomous Lottery), supporting the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games opening in summer 2020, went on sale nationwide on August 30.
The first prize is 250 million yen, with first prize adjacent prizes of 25 million yen each, totaling 300 million yen. Another appealing feature is the 30,000 "Lottery Day Prizes" worth 10,000 yen each.
Tickets cost 500 yen each and will be sold until September 19. A portion of the proceeds will be used to boost the momentum for the 2020 Games.
On the same day, a launch event was held at The Peninsula Tokyo in Chiyoda Ward, attended by table tennis player Kasumi Ishikawa and boccia player Takaki Hirose.
Ishikawa, who had returned the previous day from the World Tour Czech Open, spoke about the Olympics: "Competing has been my goal since I started the sport. At my first Games in London, I was so nervous my hands shook even during practice." Hirose added, "Just being able to compete at the Rio Paralympics was a huge joy, but winning a medal was the best. Finding the balance between tension and relaxation on that dream stage is difficult." Regarding the Tokyo Games, both athletes expressed their anticipation: "Hosting the Games in our home country is incredibly exciting. We're looking forward to lots of support," and "It's the greatest happiness for any athlete."
Both athletes, who admitted they had never bought a lottery ticket before, shared their dreams: "If I won big, I'd want to use it to contribute to boccia," and "I'd want to travel the world privately." They made everyone laugh by adding, "We'll buy some on our way home today."
On stage, they experienced boccia alongside Takahiro Ueno, one of the lottery's "Goddesses of Fortune." Ishikawa's first throw overshot the field considerably. "I threw it like a table tennis smash," he admitted. However, after advice from Hirose, his second throw landed the ball in an excellent position. Perhaps his medalist pride couldn't accept the result of his first throw, Hirose challenged the second throw himself. He demonstrated a throw that grazed the jack ball (target ball), showcasing a throw worthy of actual competition.
Ishikawa stated, "I want to deliver my best performance at the 2020 Games. Please become a member of Team Japan by purchasing the sponsorship lottery tickets and show your support." Hirose added, "I aim for a medal surpassing my Rio achievement. Buying lottery tickets also supports the athletes. I sincerely hope you'll come to the actual competition venues."
Official Website:
http://www.takarakuji-official.jp/tokyo2020/
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