This morning, Ito-san received People's Honor Award by Mie Prefecture from Mie Prefecture Governor, Akihiko Noro.

We are grateful and honored that Ito-san received this honorable mention.

Also on October 21, Ito-san was invited by Imperial Family's Tea Ceremony to greet Japanese Emperor and Royal family members with other Paralympic athletes.

Ito-san just announced to switch his category to T53.

After winning the races in Beijing, he has decided to fight his deseases and also challange this "next step".

Since his disease, multiple sclerosis, changes his condition every now and then, he had been required to take the tests every time before the race. And in the worst case, he wouldn't be able to compete the race.

It is a big risk, especially for his body, to train for T53 category.

However, he came to the conclusion to fight his desease rather than being under the pressure of not being able to compete.

We, web site team and supporters, will support Ito-san's next challange as much as possible.

Thank you

Yesterday, Ito-san ran half marathon at Nagaragawa Fureai Marathon at Kiso-sansen Park in Kaizu-city.

Ito-san attended the marathon with Tanaka Teruyo, Beijing's 100m T52 Silver medalist.

The Marathon began  with the opening ceremony, recognizing Ito-san and Tanaka-san.

Please click "read more" to see the rest of the pictures (PC site only)

Last Tuesday, September 30, City of Suzuka hosted the ceremony to present "The City of Suzuka Honorary Award for Athelete" (Suzuka-shi Sport Eiyosho) to Ito-san.

There were about 250 people, including members of Japanese Parliament, local council members, city officials, and members of local athletic clubs.

During the ceremony, Ito-san said:

"Like my motto 'Win without impudence. Lose without regret',

not only my success in Beijing, I would like to continue to contribute this community, and hope to leave another footprint in the future."

Congraturations.

 This Sunday morning, Ito-san will compete half marathon at Nagara-gawa Fureai Marathon. This will be the first race for Ito-san after Beijing Paralympic. The race starts at 11am.

Here is the schedule of Ito-san in a couple weeks.

9/30 (Tue) 3pm~ : The City of Suzuka Honorary Award Ceremony.

At 3pm on Tuesday, September 30, City of Suzuka will host the ceremony at its Civic Hall. They will present "The City of Suzuka Honorary Award for Athelete" to Ito-san. If you can stop by and celebrate with Ito-san. Please come-by.

The ceremony will take place at the lobby on the first floor of City of Suzuka Civic Hall Main Building.

10/5 (Sun) 11am~: the 13th Annual Nagara-gawa Fureai Marathon in Kaizu, Gifu.

This will be the first race for Ito-san after Beijing Paralympic. He will compete half marathon at Nagara-gawa Fureai Half Marathon on Sunday October 5th. The race is scheduled to start at 11:15.

On the day of the event, they will not only host the marathon races, but also various entertainment stage shows, refreshment stands. And they will also sell hand-made goods made by the people who works at the local workshops for the disabled. These events will be held between 10am to 2pm.

The purpose of this event to help people to understand various programs for the disabled, and have fun.

Please come by and cheer Ito-san up, but also enjoy all the entertainment there.

The Marathon will take place around the Kiso-Sansen Park near Nagara-gawa Service Center in Kaizu-City, Gifu, Japan (木曽三川公園特設会場（長良川サービスセンター前）（海津市）)

Ito-san safely came back to Japan.

He'll spend a couple day in Tokyo to take care of some business (cerebrations), including appearance to live news shows.

He's scheduled to appear "Minomonta's Asa-zuba!" on TBS network on Monday September 22nd (Japan Time) with 4 other Paralympic medalist. The program starts at 5:30am though 8:30am. We are not told the exact time of his appearance.

This would be the first opportunity to catch Ito-san live. If you happened to be able to watch the show, please don't miss it.

Also we have just launched mobile site.The address is

ito-tomoya.com/k/index_e.html

Or you can use the QR code below (English site is the right one)