Japan:Support for the 36th Okayama Kibikogen Wheelchair Road Race
Wheelchair Runners spirinting along
On October 13, the 36th Okayama Kibikogen Wheelchair Road Race, which is sponsored by the Panasonic Group, was raced in Kibikogen-City area of Kibichuo Town in Okayama Prefecture. In this event, both wheelchair and non-wheelchair users run in the same field, competing and interacting together in the road race to enhance mutual understanding and deepen communication, while also improving their skills and fitness.
The road race was convened in the presence of Princess Akiko of Mikasa, the eldest daughter of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, who passionately supported this event. The event features a half marathon, ten-kilometer course and three-kilometer course. This year 40 wheelchair racers and 1,178 ordinary runners took part, including specially invited guest runners Tsutomu Sassa (formerly of Asahi Kasei's Athletic Team) and Mika Yoshikawa (Panasonic Women's Athletic Team).
President Yasuyuki Higuchi of Panasonic Connect fired the starter pistol for the race. Paralympic medalists and ordinary citizens raced together in an intense journey over a course officially recognized by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations. The sharply undulating track is perfect for this unusual race featuring wheelchair racers and non-wheelchair runners, as the former can go fast on the downward slopes while the latter regain ground on the upward slopes.
PCO President Yasuyuki Higuchi
Wheelchair runners and ordinary runners running together
The competitors gave words of encouragement to each other as they swapped places again and again, bringing to fruition the original goal of the race to encourage a sense of community. The event was supported by around 830 volunteers, including Panasonic Group employees, and 6,500 onlookers on the roads cheered the participants on.
By enhancing understanding of para sports and encouraging acceptance and recognition of people's uniqueness, the event helps to realize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The Panasonic Group will continue to support this race.
Related websites:
Panasonic Kibi's website
Okayama Kibikogen Wheelchair Road Race website
