LIXIL Paralympic Torch Runner Recruitment Begins

LIXIL, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Gold Partner and the Presenting Partner of the Paralympic Torch Relay, held a press conference at Tiara Koto in Tokyo on November 27 to announce the start of recruitment for torchbearers.
Applications for runners are open to residents of LIXIL's headquarters and the four prefectures where competitions will be held (Shizuoka, Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo), with LIXIL initiating the recruitment ahead of schedule (until February 29, 2020).

Chairman Kinya Seto announced the campaign theme as "Spread the light of thoughtfulness and hospitality." Applications are open to both self-nominations and nominations by others. Self-nominations should include an episode about "thoughtfulness or hospitality you practice toward a future where everyone can thrive." Nominations should include an episode about "someone striving for others, someone who gives dreams and hope."

He also stated, "Our company aims for many people to enjoy comfortable living," highlighting that the company provided materials for the Paralympic Torch Relay by reusing aluminum building materials from temporary housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake. He mentioned activities like the "Universal Run Sports Prosthetic Leg Experience Lessons" held at elementary and junior high schools nationwide and the "Hospitality Cleaning" initiative (both Tokyo 2020 Official Programs) to clean public toilets at tourist spots. (both Tokyo 2020 official programs). He expressed his hope that many people would participate in the relay.

Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Deputy Secretary General Yukihiko Nunomura explained new initiatives for the Paralympic Torch Relay, such as three people meeting for the first time at a location and running together. He stated, "We hope for many applications. We want to work together with LIXIL, the runners, and everyone cheering along the route to make the relay a success."

The venue welcomed the company's official ambassadors: professional tennis player Kei Nishikori, Paralympic track and field athlete Keita Sato, and Paralympic badminton player Osamu Nagashima (a company employee). They joined Chairman Seto for a discussion. The three athletes co-star in the TV commercial "Paralympic Torch Relay: Recruiting Runners," airing from November 30th.

When asked about everyday heroes in relation to the application requirements, Chairman Seto answered, "My wife, who supports me with her smile." When Nishikori revealed his hero was Shuzo Matsuoka, laughter filled the venue. Nishikori explained Matsuoka was the person who inspired him to aim for the world stage and has made significant contributions to tennis. When asked "What kind of hero do you want to be?", athletes Sato and Nagashima responded, "Disabilities are often perceived negatively, but we'd be happy if seeing our efforts and competitions sparked positive emotions and change."

On stage, Tokyo 2020 mascot Someity and Yoko Satake, Head of the company's Olympic and Paralympic Promotion Division, joined in. Mimicking the actual relay, they performed a 3-on-3 torch kiss (the handoff of the flame).
Nishikori proposed, "After the kiss, I hope they exchange contact info and maybe go out for a meal together," sparking excitement in the venue.

Official recruitment site:
https://www.lixil.co.jp/feel_the_moment/paralympic_torch/runner/

 

Related article:Tokyo Paralympic Torch Relay: Approximately 1,000 runners sought, recruitment begins November 27[2019.11.26]