The fun, educational experience gave new momentum to Tokyo 2020's goal of staging a dynamic Games that would solidify the Olympic Values among a new generation of young people, not only in Japan but across the globe.

Headlining the event were Olympians such as Kenyan Erick Wainaina (pictured top), the Atlanta 1996 bronze and Sydney 2000 silver medallist marathon runner who has lived in Japan for most of his career, and double Olympic sprinter Satoru Inoue from Japan.

The Olympians, together with former top athletes, engaged thousands of children in a series of sessions to share their experiences and promote Tokyo 2020's mission of inspiring future generations to achieve excellence through sports.

Athlete Erick Wainaina inspires a potential future Olympian at the Kids Jamboree in Tokyo

Youngsters and their parents learned about the Olympic and Paralympic Games through lectures and demonstrations by athletes specialising in football, gymnastics, trampoline, blind football and wheelchair sports.

Children were also given the chance to match their physical fitness against their Olympic heroes and other top athletes.

Wainaina said: "The Kids Jamboree in Marunouchi is a great event because it enables children to experience the spirit and values of the Olympic Movement while discovering new sports."

Masato Mizuno, Tokyo 2020 chief executive and Japanese Olympic Committee vce-president, said: "Tokyo 2020 is committed to uniting our entire nation and inspiring an entire new generation.

"Children are our future so sharing the Olympic spirit with them would have tremendous benefit, not only for Tokyo but Japan and all other nations as well as the Olympic Movement."

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