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2020/12/19Inauguration statement by New President of the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai

At this time, I was appointed as a president of the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai Organising Committee. We will continue to move forward in preparation of the Games together with everyone for the success of the Games. Thank you for your continuous cooperation.
I believe that WMG will have a great effect on tourism / culture promotion, regional revitalization and internationalization, including the promotion of lifelong Sports to the entire Kansai region, therefore I have been actively involved since the step of bidding for hosting the Games as a Deputy Director of the Union of Kansai Governments. When the Games hosting have been decided in August 2013, and I actually experienced the Auckland Games in April 2017, of those my feeling got much stronger. Since then, under the leadership of former President Ido and President Matsumoto, we have been preparing for the Games in cooperation with related organisations such as Local Organising Committees of each host prefectures and cities, however with recent situation of Covid-19 pandemic, as a result of the unprecedented situation, the one-year postponement of the Games was approved at the IMGA General Assembly held on 4th November.

In my opinion, I take the postponement of the Games in a positive way, and I would like to further improve the attraction of the Games with the remaining preparation period, I will further create momentum and promote participation of the Games, also to promote Sports tourism, promote interactions between participants, and with local residents in Japan, moreover to create inclusive Games. In addition, we will do our utmost to disseminate the Games to the world as a new form of Sports competition with Covid-19 pandemic.

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation
The Organising Committee of the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai
President Nisaka Yoshinobu