POSTED: September 30th 2009
NewsUpdate
Japanese comedian runs and sails 36,000km for Tokyo 2016
LAURA WALDEN / Sports Features Communications
TAMPA, Sept. 30: Tokyo 2016 ambassador Kanpei Hazama has completed his earth marathon tour running into Copenhagen to meet up with the bid team for the final decision on the host city for the summer Games.
Hazama is one of Japan’s favorite comedians is an accomplished marathoner and sailor that has participated in more than 70 marathons and ultra marathons, including the renowned Honolulu Marathon in Hawaii, the 246km Spartathrone race in Greece and the 560km Tokyo-Osaka event.
Bid ceo, Dr Ichiro Kono said, “Tokyo 2016, all of Japan and countless people around the world have been inspired by Kanpei Hazama’s infectious positivity and unwavering commitment - traits that have served him well as step after step, mile after mile he remains firmly focused on completing this incredible test of endurance.
“Kanpei is spreading international goodwill and inspiring people around the world to engage with sport in friendship.
"Neither the Olympic Movement, nor our Bid could wish for a better ambassador, and we are proud that Tokyo 2016 is setting the stage for generations of heroes inspired by the likes of Kanpei.”
Hazama launched his amazing round-the-world Earth Marathon in Osaka on 17 December 2008. He then he took off on a 70-day, 7,900 mile sailing trip to Los Angeles, where he took back up his run across the US that then took him to New York.
He was thrilled by the support in New York, “Everyone, but especially the children, have really lifted my spirits and inspired me to continue with my challenging journey."
From New York he sailed across to Europe landing at Le Havre, France and there hit the road again to join the Tokyo bid team today at the Danish capital for the deciding vote.
Proof of his dedication for the Tokyo Games plan he has traveled 36,000km (23,000 miles) spreading the word around the planet. Nippon TV has followed him inspiring his fans to take up the baton and support the Japanese bid.
Tokyo is running against Chicago, Madrid, and Rio de Janeiro and the vote will be in two days for the 2016 host city.
Picture (above right): Hazama is cheered on by supporters as he arrives in the city / Image: Tokyo 2016.
Keywords · Kanpei Hazama · Tokyo 2016 · Olympic bids
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