{"id":42969,"date":"2016-07-05T18:59:27","date_gmt":"2016-07-05T09:59:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/?p=42969"},"modified":"2016-07-06T12:04:20","modified_gmt":"2016-07-06T03:04:20","slug":"rio-de-janeiro-olympic-and-paralympic-send-off-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/news\/42969","title":{"rendered":"Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic send-off ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"

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On June 30 (Thurs), Waseda University’s Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games Send-Off Ceremony was held in Room 109 of Building 10 at Waseda campus. Five athletes who are students and alumni of Waseda attended the event. Over 400 students, faculty and staff members, and Waseda sport fans sang the “Azure Sky,” Waseda’s unofficial anthem, together with the Waseda University Cheerleading Club. Each athlete gave comments on how they feel towards the summer’s big event in an interview by cheerleaders.<\/p>\n

President Kamata gave words of encouragement for the athletes. “For the participating athletes, I hope you will exhibit your pride as a Japanese national and Waseda student and alum. Challenge yourself to the fullest, and by going beyond your limitations, the Japanese nation, if not the world, will realize the power of sports and be touched by your achievements and discipline.” Afterwards, he presented the athletes with Waseda bears as a good luck charm.<\/p>\n

The send-off ceremony ended in enthusiasm with anticipation for the Olympic and Paralympic games. We look forward to the athletes giving their best performance.<\/p>\n

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Comments from the athletes<\/h5>\n

\u25cfAyami Oishi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\uff0d\u3000lightweight double sculls (2x) women\u3000\uff0d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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CHUBU Electric Power Co. Inc.\/School of Sport Sciences, Class of 2014\/Rowing club alumna
\n“I was able to grow as an individual because of the wonderful friends I met here in this enriching environment at Waseda University. I advise current Waseda students to take full advantage of the resources it has to offer. I will seek for faster speed to compete on the world stage in Rio and do my best for a medal. I’d appreciate your kind support.”
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\n\u25cfNamika Matsumoto<\/strong><\/p>\n

\uff0d\u3000Weightlifting (63kg) women\u3000\uff0d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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ALSOK\/School of Social Sciences, Class of 2014\/Weightlifting club alumna
\n“Whenever I wear a Waseda T-shirt on tour overseas, people around the world ask me about me being a Waseda athlete. This is when I feel Waseda’s prestige and globally widespread reputation. To dear Waseda students, you only have 4 years as a university student, so I hope you will cherish every moment. I will also embrace this valuable chance to participate in the Olympics and compete against the world to finish at the top.”
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\n\u25cfKeisuke Nozawa<\/strong><\/p>\n

\uff0d\u3000Track and field, 400m hurdles men\u3000\uff0d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Mizuno\/School of Sport Sciences, Class of 2014\/Track and field club alumnae
\n“What I learned at the School of Sport Sciences has directly helped me become a more competitive athlete. I would like current Waseda students to find their passion and dedicate your 4 years to what drives you. In Rio, I want to give my all and meet expectations of all my supporters.”
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\n\u25cfSatomi Kubokura<\/strong><\/p>\n

\uff0d Track and field, 400m hurdles women\u3000\uff0d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Niigata Albirex Running Club\/Graduate student at Elite Coach Course at the Graduate School of Sport Sciences\/Fukushima University graduate
\nIt hasn’t been long since I came to Waseda this April, so I still walk around campus with a map in hand. The students here take their studies very seriously, and I think it’s amazing to be able to pursue higher education, regardless of your field. I would also like to study hard as well together with my friends. The Rio Games will be my third Olympic game. I would like to perform to meet my expectations. They say, ‘Third time’s the charm.'”<\/p>\n

\u25cfKoyo Iwabuchi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\uff0d Table tennis men\u3000\uff0d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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4th year student at the School of Education\/Table tennis club member
\nI am thankful for all the support I have received from fans and Waseda’s table tennis club alumni so that I can continue competing. I believe such powerful network at Waseda is one of its positive aspects. I would like for everyone at Waseda to value the friendship and connections they have here. Not many people know about table tennis in Paralympics, so I hope me giving my best performance will become an opportunity to share the excitment of para table tennis.”<\/p>\n

\uff1cThe Waseda “W” sign by President Kamata and athletes\uff1e<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Olmypic games will be held from August 5 – 21. We wish our athletes all the best.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Links<\/h4>\n