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PyeongChang Olympics Japan Team Support Event Skating Lessons at a Specially Set-Up Rink in Central Tokyo
The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) held the "Deliver Courage! 2018 PyeongChang Olympics Japanese National Team Support Event" (in cooperation with Mitsui Fudosan) on January 5th at a special ice rink set up on the Tokyo Midtown lawn plaza in Minato Ward.
The event featured a talk show by cheer squad leader Shuzo Matsuoka and a skating clinic by professional figure skater Takahiko Kozuka, who is also a JOC Olympic Movement Ambassador.
At the start, JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda stated, "The Japanese delegation is in its final preparations for the PyeongChang Games in February. We aim to surpass our Sochi results in PyeongChang, just before the 2020 Tokyo Games, and carry that momentum to Tokyo. Today, please experience the joy and wonder of skating while sending your messages of support to the athletes."
Matsuoka, who had communicated extensively with the elementary school students participating in the clinic before it began, said, "There are many athletes to watch, but if I had to pick one, it would be ski jumper Sara Takanashi. I think she's highly motivated to overcome the disappointment from the last Games. The pressure athletes feel every four years is immense. I hope everyone cheers them on with the feeling that they are fighting alongside the athletes."
At the skating clinic, Kozuka and staff instructed approximately 40 elementary school students. Kozuka oversaw both beginner and intermediate classes, conducting practice suited to each level.
The beginners, who were initially very cautious when first putting on skates, fell less frequently by the end of the class and were enjoying skating with smiles.
Finally, everyone raised their spirits with the chants, "Burn up the winter!" and "Deliver courage!"
An encouragement booth was set up beside the skating rink, displaying winter sports equipment, sportswear, and the Olympic torch relay torch. There was also a corner where visitors could write messages of support for the Japanese national team athletes.
JOC Official Website: https://www.joc.or.jp/
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