Recruitment begins for "meiji Dream Kids for TOKYO 2020," a tour that parents and children can enjoy together
Meiji, a Gold Partner of the Tokyo 2020 Games, began accepting applications on October 20 for "meiji Dream Kids for TOKYO 2020," a 2-night, 3-day tour offering various special experiences for parents and children to enjoy together during the Games, such as watching matches at the stadium and interacting with athletes. On the same day, Meiji held a campaign announcement event at Toyo University's Sports Center in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo.
The tour offers six courses (26 types) that only a Gold Partner can provide. Applications are being accepted for 270 pairs, totaling 540 people.
Special Website URL: https://www.meiji.co.jp/power/olympic/dream-kids/
Approximately 200 parents and children, including elementary school students, attended the event. Guests included gymnast Mai Murakami, wrestler Takuto Otoguro, and Paralympic track and field athlete Shunsuke Iida.
Murakami addressed the children invited through public recruitment, saying, "I hope you learn the importance of sports and the importance of food." Otokuro stated, "I hope you take this opportunity to become interested in wrestling and enjoy moving your body." Iida said, "I hope you study sports and nutrition to lead a better life."
Next, comedians Eiji Kotoge and Mizuki Nishimura of the duo "Biking" appeared on stage as the "meiji Dream Kids Support Squad."
Seeing Nishimura, dressed as an elementary school student with a backpack and yellow cap, getting a lukewarm reaction from the children, Kotoge, playing the father role, gave a wry smile and said, "Nobody's laughing."
To enter the campaign, both children and guardians must submit essays on the themes "Tell us your dream" and "Why you want to take your child to the Olympics/Paralympics." When asked about his own dream, Kotoge immediately replied, "For our duo to break up." Nishimura chimed in, "You could do that right away. That's not a dream," prompting laughter throughout the venue.
Athlete Iida, originally from Mie Prefecture, revealed he had been attending car races at Suzuka Circuit since childhood and dreamed of becoming a race car driver. "After retiring from Para athletics, I want to fulfill that dream," he stated, surprising those around him.
To achieve his dream, Murakami demonstrated a beautiful handstand as part of his daily training. Otokuro then performed a powerful throwing technique against a dummy weighing about 50 kilograms, earning loud applause from the children in the audience.
After watching the athletes' performances, Nishimura-san attempted a handstand. He failed spectacularly, landing on his back after a full rotation, but with Kotoge-san's assistance, he managed to succeed. Kotoge-san, surprised by the dummy's weight, praised Otokuro-san's skill, saying, "It's amazing to pull off that performance with something that heavy."
Regarding the Tokyo 2020 Games, Murakami expressed determination: "Women's gymnastics hasn't reached the level where we can win medals yet, so I want to show the world how strong the women are too." Otokuro declared, "Since I'm competing, I want to win the gold medal. Please expect great things from me." Finally, Iida stated powerfully, "I want to deliver my best run on the greatest stage."
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