Hundreds of representatives from Japan's sports community and thousands of well-wishers joined more than 200 young children from the northern part of Japan to take part in the event, which included the 3/11 Memorial "Kizuna" Walk and Run.

There was also the opportunity for the youngsters to take part in rugby and football.

"On behalf of the Japanese sports community, we sincerely appreciate the generous, heartfelt support and encouragement from friends worldwide as Japan strives to recover from the Great East Japan Earthquake," said Takeda, who is also the President of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).

"Japanese athletes and the sports community also have made great efforts to support the healing process.

"Events such as this embody our shared desire to give strength to those most affected.

"This same belief in the power of sports underpins Tokyo's bid for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The five kilometre walk was led by Akio Usami, who represented Japan in three consecutive Olympic marathons between 1968 and 1976.

"It was a real pleasure to participate in the event and coach young people from the affected area," he said.


"The strong bonds I felt with everyone reminded me of sport's capacity to bring the world together.

"I sincerely hope we helped to energeise everyone and give them new hope."

The event, which also raised donations for schools and an orphanage association, took place at Shiokaze Park, the planned venue for beach volleyball if Tokyo's bid for 2020 is successful.

It is one of the 16 venues in the bid's Tokyo Bay Zone, which offers views of the waterfront, Rainbow Bridge and the skyline of the city.

"The 'kizuna' event showcases sport's capacity to inspire dreams, hopes, goals and positive change" said Takeda.

"Tokyo's bid has extra significance as a spiritual and physical symbol of Japan's recovery from a national tragedy.

"We have a great sense of responsibility to inspire and unite the entire population behind a common vision of Japan's future.

"It is a bold national project to help us realise a better future by setting no limits and striving for excellence, as taught by the Olympic values."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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