Iwaki, located in the Fukushima Prefecture, was among the northeastern Japanese prefectures seriously damaged by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, a disaster which triggered the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The new initiative aims to highlight Tokyo 2020’s commitment to aiding young people and is led by Koji Murofushi, sports director of the Organising Committee.

Murofushi, the hammer Olympic gold medalist at Athens 2004, was joined by eight young Japanese athletes at the school, including Haruka Wakasugi, a member of Japan's women’s goalball team which lifted the Paralympic title at London 2012. 

Additionally Keiichi Kimura, a Paralympic silver and bronze medallist in swimming at London 2012 also participated in a day-long sports festival at the school.

Murofushi, who marked the anniversary of the earthquake by meeting with junior high school and high school students in Ishinomaki to support the recovery effort, during March, claimed the project is vital to encouraging young people to give more back to society.

“Our role is to connect with the younger generation, increase engagement between athletes and local communities, and inspire enthusiasm and passion,” he said.

“Bringing these young athletes with me here today is the first step towards encouraging the next generation of athletes to contribute more to society and become ambassadors who can demonstrate the power of sport to act as a force for positive change.”

The project will continue to see young athletes participate in further events ahead of Tokyo 2020, who hope the initiative will capture imaginations of young people in the build-up to the Games.

Additionally, the project will encompass several programmes for young people in Japan and will feature an emphasis on education and the Olympic values.

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