The Tokyo team formation ceremony for the 23rd National Sports Tournament for People with Disabilities, "SAGA2024 All-Japan Sports Tournament," was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Main Assembly Hall on Sunday, October 10th, with 6 athletes and officials in attendance.

Greetings from the leader

A speech was given by Katsura Enyo, Chairman of the Tokyo Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities (a public interest incorporated association) and head of the delegation.

(Excerpt)

We would like to congratulate you on representing Tokyo at the 23rd National Sports Tournament for Persons with Disabilities, "SAGA2024."
This year's Tokyo delegation consists of 222 athletes and 101 officials, totalling 323 people. Standing here, I can truly feel the passion of all the athletes as they prepare for the Games.
I sincerely hope that you will do your best and achieve good results as a representative at the tournament. At the same time, I hope that you will deepen your interactions with athletes from all over the country through competition, make new friends, and experience the joy of playing sports together.
There are about two weeks left until the tournament. Please take good care of your health so that you can fully demonstrate the results of your daily practice during the tournament. Also, I hope that the players will cooperate and encourage each other during the tournament so that we can all achieve great results.
Team Tokyo, let's do our best!

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Player introduction

The coaches of each sport introduced the athletes and officials of the Tokyo delegation, who vowed to do their best at the tournament.

Awarding of the team flag

Director-General of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Life, Culture and Sports, Furuya Rumi, presented the team flag to head coach Nobuyo, who in turn presented it to Hanaoka Erika (swimming, physically disabled), who will be the flag bearer for this tournament.

Encouraging speech

A congratulatory speech was given by Director Furuya of the Life, Culture and Sports Bureau.

(Excerpt)

In Saga, we expect the players to play to their best with pride and awareness as representatives of Tokyo.
We hope that by participating in the tournament, all athletes will be able to broaden their horizons, compete with athletes from all over the country, and deepen their connections, further enriching their competitive life.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Statement of determination

On behalf of the Tokyo delegation, captain Yuji Kaminaga (football/softball, intellectual disability) made a statement of determination.

(Excerpt)
We will not forget to be grateful to all those involved in the tournament, and will continue to make thorough preparations to achieve our respective goals.
I am grateful to be able to play sports, and I promise to play my best and inspire everyone.

Please support the Tokyo team.