Ex-Japan track star in Ghana to rally support for 2020 Olympics

Former Japanese track athlete, Dai Tamasue arrived in Ghana yesterday to begin a four-day mission to promote the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympics Games slated for Tokyo.

On arrival Tamasue said he was delighted to be in the country and was looking forward to promoting the charm of Japan, particularly the culture, value and ethic of sports.

"I have friends from Ghana and I am here to teach more about the Japanese culture of sports. I just want to motivate the kids and teach them the benefits of sports and the impact it can have on their lives.

"I just want to see Ghanaian athletes at the 2020 Olympics and winning medals because Ghana and Japan have a very strong relationship,” the sprinter told the media.

While in Ghana, Tamasue is expected visit to the Accra Academy and the St Mary's senior high schools where he will hold lectures and workshops with the students today. He will also hold a similar event with some selected national athletes tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium.

His visit also coincides with the 60 years celebration of international relations between Ghana and Japan.
Tamasue is the first Japanese sprinter to win a medal in a track event at a World Competition and the current Japanese record holder for men’s 400-metre hurdles (as of July 2016).

He also won a bronze medals at the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton and the 2005 World Championships in Athletics in Helsinki.