World Masters Games 2021 Kansai Kickoff Meeting Entries open February 2020
The organizing committee for the "World Masters Games 2021 Kansai" held a kickoff meeting on November 19 at Hotel New Otani Osaka in Chuo Ward, Osaka City.
Attendees included Chairman Toshizo Ido (Chairman of the Kansai Regional Federation / Governor of Hyogo Prefecture) and Chairman Masayoshi Matsumoto (Chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation) of the Organizing Committee, along with support ambassador Takeshi Takei (talent) and ambassador Nobuharu Asahara (Osaka Gas / Beijing Olympics silver medalist). New ambassadors Kohei Oda (baseball commentator/critic) and and Hiroki Yamamura (baseball commentator). The event announced competition entry information, participation fees, and event-specific guidelines, while the ambassadors made their participation declarations.
The Games (hosted by the Kansai Organizing Committee, co-hosted by the Japan Sports Association and Japan Sports Association for the Disabled) are an international multi-sport event for lifelong sports, held every four years by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA). They are open to any sports enthusiast aged 30 or older.
Held the year after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 10th edition in 2021 will be the first in Asia. It will take place across the Kansai region (13 prefectures and ordinance-designated cities), aiming for the largest scale in the event's history with 50,000 participants from Japan and abroad.
The event will run for 17 days from May 14 to 30, 2021. In addition to 35 official sports and 59 events, open competitions will be held to build momentum for the Games and increase participation opportunities.
Competitions will include divisions for athletes with disabilities and events designed to accommodate participation by athletes with disabilities.
Competition Information Site:
https://www.wmg2021.jp/games/list
General registration opens on February 1, 2020, but members registered on the " Team Do Sports Portal " website can register starting January 6, 2020, ahead of the general public.
The participation fee for athletes residing in Japan is ¥15,000, allowing entry into up to 5 events; additional events require extra fees. The participation fee includes a participant kit (T-shirt, backpack, etc.) and admission to the opening and closing ceremonies.
Competitors residing overseas pay ¥24,000. This fee includes an original Kansai area transportation pass for travel between venues and sightseeing.
Participation Overview:
https://www.wmg2021.jp/games/guideline.html
Mr. Takei stated, "I want to team up with Mr. Asahara and aim for the relay world record. As more ambassadors join, anticipation for the event grows. Just like the huge success of the Rugby World Cup, I want to give my all to support everyone who has helped create history in Japanese sports, so that all participants can shine alongside the star athletes on the grounds and fields."
Mr. Asahara said, "I want to challenge myself in the 100-meter dash and one other event outside my specialty. I'm also considering competing in artistic swimming as a duet with my wife (Ms. Fumiko Okuno). With a year and a half left, I want to take on a new challenge and look forward to trying a new sport."
Mr. Oda expressed his ambition: "I want to compete in one sport other than hardball baseball and ball games." Mr. Yamamura stated: "In hardball baseball, I want to compete with Mr. Takei in a pitch speed contest."
The Organizing Committee will begin recruiting volunteers for the Games starting November 20. They are seeking 60,000 volunteers, who will assist with tasks such as event and competition reception and venue guidance.
Volunteer website:
https://www.wmg2021.jp/games/volunteer.html
Official Event Website:
https://www.wmg2021.jp/
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