The 50th Hokuryu Town Sunflower Olympics (Hokuryu Town Board of Education) - The smiles and energy of the town's seniors shine brightly

Monday, November 22, 2021

The 50th Hokuryu Town Sunflower Olympics was held at the Hokuryu Town Rural Environment Improvement Center from 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 18th.

Overview of the 50th Hokuryu Sunflower Olympics

• Organizer:Hokuryu Town Board of Education
• cooperation:Hokuryu Town Sports Promotion Committee

Venue: Hokuryu Town Rural Environment Improvement Center (gymnasium)

Approximately 60 people aged 65 or over from each neighborhood association participated, including students from Hokuryu Town Himawari University and members of the Himawari Longevity Association, and enjoyed the competition with great energy.

Opening Ceremony

Greetings from the Chairman: Hokuryu Town Board of Education, Superintendent Arima Kazushi

"I would like to thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to participate in the 50th Hokuryu Sunflower Olympics today.

Last year, we were unable to hold the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year things have finally settled down and we are very pleased that we were able to hold the event in this way.

Recently, all the leaves have already fallen from the trees around us, and we are starting to see snow symbols in the weather forecast.

It's late autumn, but even though it's late autumn, it's still autumn. Autumn is the season for sports. In professional baseball, the Climax Series finals will begin on November 20th. And in the golf world, with just a few games left, a fierce battle for prize money is unfolding.

We are looking forward to some exciting competition in this gymnasium today. There will be a variety of events in this tournament.

I believe that each event will be enjoyable for everyone. There will be strengths and weaknesses. I hope that those who are strong will play with enthusiasm and do their best, and that those who are not strong will cheer on the team with clapping through their masks and make this tournament a success.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the sports promoters, members of the Himawari Longevity Association, Senior Citizens' University, and Himawari University for their tremendous cooperation in holding this tournament. I would like to conclude my speech by saying, "I hope you all do your best today."

Attention Chief Referee: Sports Promotion Committee Chairman Okino Manabu

"Good morning. First, we will do some radio calisthenics as a warm-up for everyone. If you haven't done enough warm-up exercises, please do some exercises for your arms and legs on your own.

"This year there will be two new events compared to last year. We will do our best to ensure that everyone can get into the competition smoothly with trials and demonstrations, so we ask for your cooperation," said Chairman Okino.

Athlete's oath: Akira Tanimoto, class representative, Himawari University

"We, the athletes who are committed to lifelong learning, pledge to deepen regional exchanges, stay injury-free, and enjoy this day to the fullest at the 50th Sunflower Olympics.

November 18th, 2021, Athlete Representative Akira Tanimoto,” declared class representative Akira Tanimoto with great force.

Introduction of each team's manager

• Red Team (Wamotocho, Nishikawa, Bibaushi): Director Kazuo Shibasaki
• White Team (Watocho, Kyoei, Sakuraoka): Director: Nakamura Shizuo
• Yellow Team (Kazu, Itaya, Mitani, Iwamura, Kosaku): Directed by Akira Tanimoto

Hokuryu Town Sports Promotion Committee and Committee Members

• Chairman: Manabu Okino
• Vice-chairman: Hiroto Sakamaki
• Committee member Ryo Kato
• Committee member Misuzu Nanba

Warm-up exercises (radio exercises)

A full body workout will loosen up your body.

Explanation of each event

Chairman Manabu Okino gave a detailed explanation of each event and then gave demonstrations.

Sunflower Olympics begins

No. 1: Delivery relay (10 people from each group)

• The tube is threaded onto a string and passed to the next person. The time to reach the finish line is determined by three round trips.

No. 2: Bowling (5 people per group)

• Roll the ball towards 10 bowling pins and compete to knock down the most pins

No. 3: Ladder Getter (6 people from each group)

• Throw a ball with a string attached to it up a ladder and compete for points.

No. 4: Breaking the Barrier (5 people from each group)

• Each team plays rock-paper-scissors with the guard who is the coach of the team. If they win, they go back and pass the baton to the next person. If they lose, they go around the guard and play rock-paper-scissors again. If they lose three times, they pass the baton to the next person. They compete for the fastest time until all 10 people are finished.

Break time

No. 5: Ball throwing (10 people per group)

• Compete for the fastest time when all 100 balls have been placed

No. 6: Floor curling (4 people per team)

• Draw shot competition. Compete with the closest flocker to the target for the shortest distance.

No. 7: Aim for a comeback (9 people from each group)

• Throw the ball at the numbered targets. Compete for the total number of points you can hit.

Closing Ceremony

Results announcement & awards ceremony

• Victory :White team 78 points
• 2nd place:Yellow group 69 points
• 3rd place:Red team: 44 points

Comments from the conference: Yoshiharu Yamashita, Vice President of the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association

"Thank you for all your hard work today. I was moved by how hard you all worked. When the competition began, I saw you all so focused on winning and losing, wanting to win, and I felt the richness of your emotions. I think that the actions of 'laughing when you fail and clapping when you succeed' will lead to daily health.

By the way, the coronavirus infection has not yet been eradicated. We are currently in a lull, but we cannot let our guard down. It will continue to be important to continue to take thorough measures against the coronavirus in our daily lives. I feel that it is also important to take infection prevention measures into consideration and respond properly when holding events.

"Your health is our number one priority. The first snow will soon fall, and winter will truly arrive. I hope you all take good care of yourself, and I look forward to your participation in next year's Olympics," said Vice President Yamashita.

Fun big lottery (for everyone)

The Superintendent of Education, Mr. Arima, drew lots for the numbers shown on the raffle tickets given to the participants in advance, and the prizes were awarded.

Other photos

▶Photos (178 photos) from the 50th Hokuryu Town Sunflower Olympics are here >>

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◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi