Wednesday, December 6, 2023
The "Gorokke Tournament" sponsored by the Hokuryu Town Disabled Welfare Association was held at the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center from 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 4th.
Eight members of the Hokuryu Town Disabled Welfare Association (Chairman: Yamashita Yoshiharu) participated and enjoyed the games in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere.
- 1 Hokuryu Town Welfare Association for the Disabled
- 2 Gorokke Tournament
- 3 Training session
- 3.1 After the tournament, we traveled by bus to Hokuryu Onsen.
- 3.2 Arrived at Sunflower Park Hot Springs
- 3.3 A training session (social gathering) where conversation flows...
- 3.4 Opening remarks by Vice President Iwao Motobu
- 3.5 Delicious food!
- 3.6 Closing remarks by Kazuyuki Kumeya
- 3.7 Let's take a commemorative photo together!
- 4 YouTube videos
- 5 Other photos
- 6 Related articles
Hokuryu Town Welfare Association for the Disabled
The Hokuryu Town Disabled Welfare Association currently has 11 members (including people with physical disabilities such as physical disabilities and cardiac disorders).
Based on the articles of incorporation of the Hokkaido Disabled Welfare Association (general incorporated association), we aim to contribute to the independence and health promotion of physically disabled people, as well as to promote their participation in local activities and society, and to promote the stability of their lives and the improvement of their welfare.
Gorokke Tournament
As part of the activities of the Hokuryu Town Disabled Welfare Association, the "Gorokke Tournament" is held three to four times a year. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this tournament has not been held for the past few years, but this was the first time it was held in four years.
Everyone was full of energy and fun, and they were able to play the game at their own pace.
What is Goroquet?
Gorokee is a sport similar to gateball that originated in Kitahiroshima City.
The "Gorokke Tournament" was held in the hall of the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center. Participants used a wooden mallet called a "Malley" to hit a ball (a ball with soft rubber spikes) through three gates, competing for the most total number of hits to reach the final goal.
Greetings from Chairman Yoshiharu Yamashita
"Thank you all for gathering here today. Today, we will all work hard as one.
We would like to pool our wisdom and ideas to do things that we have not been able to do until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of people joining disability groups is declining nationwide, but we would like to continue to be proactive regardless of the number of people.
As was discussed at the board meeting earlier, due to the structure of the facility, the room temperature tends to be high throughout, so it has been suggested that air conditioning be installed. The disabled persons' association also intends to actively raise its voice in this regard.
I think this room temperature issue is important because it is not just a concern for us, but for all the organizations and people who use this facility.
Hokuryu Town is a small town, but we would like to take the lead in requesting solutions to these issues.
Today, enjoy a fun day by working up an appetite with some fun games and delicious food at Hokuryu Onsen.
Now, let's get started, but please be careful not to get injured."
Let's play!
For all you veterans, aim carefully, hit the ball with Murray and play slowly!
The ball's movement is sometimes smooth and sometimes not.
"Oh, as expected!" "Close!" "Nice!"...
Everyone's cheers echoed throughout the room, and it was a fun playing time filled with smiles!
Two games were played with a break in between.
The players with the fewest total strokes will be ranked 1st to 8th, and each player will receive a luxurious prize.
Gorgeous prizes prepared!
Greetings from Secretary General Michihito Nakamura
"We've gathered here today to help you all improve your physical strength.
This year's tournament was held three times, in August, October, and December. Next year we plan to hold it four times. This summer was very hot, so we would like to schedule future tournaments to avoid the hottest months as much as possible. We appreciate your cooperation.
At the board meeting just now, we discussed the fact that the number of disabled members is on the decline, but we will continue to actively expand our business activities in the future. We are planning to hold a New Year's party on Monday, January 15th next year. Both the mayor and the head of the Resident Affairs Division will be attending, so we look forward to your cooperation.
Training session
After receiving wonderful prizes, the participants moved to Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen for a training session (social gathering) after the tournament.
After the tournament, we traveled by bus to Hokuryu Onsen.
Arrived at Sunflower Park Hot Springs
A training session (social gathering) where conversation flows...
Opening remarks by Vice President Iwao Motobu
"I'm happy to see you all in good health after such a long time. I hope we can all meet again next year in good health. Cheers!!!"
Delicious food!
Closing remarks by Kazuyuki Kumeya
"Today, the number of participants increased little by little, and we all enjoyed the game at a leisurely pace.
Although the coronavirus and influenza pandemic are still not over, I would like to raise a toast to the hope that everyone will be able to welcome the new year in good health. Cheers!!!"
Let's take a commemorative photo together!
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the Hokuryu Town Gorokke Tournament, a community sport where participants can sincerely face their physical disabilities, connect with each other, and move their bodies at their own pace in a relaxed atmosphere, all while enjoying a leisurely fun time.
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
