For the children of Tohoku—A charity run event on Sunday, March 10th!
For the Children of Tohoku
Charity Run Around the Imperial Palace
Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 2013
“Let’s support the children of Tohoku through the running we love!” With this sentiment, DJ Toshio Matsuura launched the charity project “Run for Children Tohoku” last year.Great East Japan EarthquakeOn the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, a charity run was held with the cooperation of adidas. Thirty-five participants ran with the children of Tohoku in their hearts. This year, on Sunday, March 10th, a charity run will again take place at the same running facility, adidas RUNBASE, and around the Imperial Palace.
Text by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)
For the Future of Disaster-Affected Children
Two years have already passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. While it’s often said that “out of sight, out of mind,” the words “earthquake” and “reconstruction” that once filled the news feel like a distant memory, and life seems to have returned to normal. There is also the reality of waning interest. Yet, from the disaster-stricken areas comes a cry: “Please don’t forget about the earthquake, and that we are still continuing our reconstruction efforts.”
In response to these voices, DJ Toshio Matsuura launched the charity project “Run for Children Tohoku” last year. He has been calling for donations through “Just Giving Japan,” an online donation platform that transforms individual challenges into charitable activities. Matsuura, who has two children, chose to donate to the “Hataichi Fund,” which supports children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The Hataichi Fund, with the wish “for the children affected by the disaster to safely reach their 20th birthday,” continues to provide unique support activities, primarily focused on education, for the future of these children. It is an NPO organization.
DJ Toshio Matsuura Photo: Kenta Suzuki
adidas, a multi-sports brand, also endorsed his idea of supporting the children of Tohoku through his beloved sport of running. On March 11th last year, with adidas’s cooperation, they held the charity run event “Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE,” inviting 35 OPENERS readers. On the day, participants gathered at the running facility “adidas RUNBASE,” observed a moment of silence, and then ran around the Imperial Palace in either 5km or 10km courses. Donations were collected as participation fees, and all proceeds were donated to the “Hataichi Fund.”
Scenes from last year's charity run Photo: Kenta Suzuki
And on Sunday, March 10th, the charity run event will be held again. To broaden the circle of support even slightly, the number of participants has been increased to 40. Ahead of the event, Matsuura expressed his enthusiasm: “I want to run together with everyone, thinking of the disaster-stricken areas. We are looking forward to your applications for this project, where you can enjoy running while supporting the children in the affected regions.”
Hoping to be of some help to the people in the disaster-stricken areas──This sentiment should make your usual run something special. We hope you will join us, wearing the sash connecting DJ Toshio Matsuura, adidas, and the Hataichi Fund.
Application Guidelines for “Charity Run Around the Imperial Palace”
Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 2013
Date: Sunday, March 10th
Time: Reception opens 13:30 / Scheduled end 16:00
Capacity: 40 people
Participation Fee: ¥2,000 and up
*All proceeds will be donated to the “Hataichi Fund.”
*Use of the facility on the day is free of charge.
*All participants will receive a special T-shirt.
Course: Imperial Palace 1 lap (5km) / 2 laps (10km)
Venue: adidas RUNBASE
1F Hirakawacho Mori Tower, 2-16-1 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
http://adidas.jp/runbase/
Application Period: Friday, February 15th – Tuesday, March 5th, noon
*We will send a final confirmation of attendance on Tuesday, March 5th, so please check your email.
*Those who reply confirming their attendance will receive an invitation via email. Please bring it with you on the day.
*If the number of applications exceeds the capacity, a lottery will be held. Thank you for your understanding.
*Photographers are scheduled to be present on the day. The event may be featured on OPENERS, so please be aware.
Applications have closed.
Thank you for your many applications.