‘Baton Project’ Kick-Off Event
Pass the Baton!
At WCH Tokyo 25, it's our mission to deliver dreams to as many people as possible. By giving the next generation a chance to witness world-class athletes pushing their limits up close, this September's championships aims to pass on the many values of sport, along with a sense of hope and aspiration, to the generations to come.
To help make WCH Tokyo 25 a dream-inspiring event, we have launched the Baton Project, which will see original relay batons donated to every elementary school in Tokyo.
The project kicked off on 19 May with a special event held at an elementary school in the city.
At the start of the event, WCH Tokyo 25 President Mitsugi Ogata addressed the students with a powerful message:
“We want to make this major sporting event, one that inspires dreams in as many children as possible. Today marks the first step in that effort, as we present this school with its very own set of batons. My hope is that you’ll use them to discover the fun of athletics, and relays and the importance of teamwork”.
Special Guests in Attendance
Following the opening remarks, WCH Tokyo 25 Athlete Ambassadors Abdul Hakim Sani Brown (100m, 200m) and Yuki Hashioka (Long Jump) made a special appearance, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the children. They were joined by RikuOne, the official mascot of this years' World Athletics Championships, who helped bring even more energy to the event.
Speaking to the students, Sani Brown shared his excitement about the Championships:
“For me, the World Athletics Championships are one of the few opportunities to compete against the fastest and strongest athletes from around the globe. It really feels like the world’s greatest sports day. I’m looking forward to running in front of all of you. It’s the most exciting stage for any athlete".
Hashioka echoed that sentiment, adding:
“The World Championships represent the ultimate goal for track and field athletes. It’s where the very best come together to deliver peak performances. It’s the most thrilling competition in the sport because it’s where world champions are made".
Baton Presentation and Special Clinic
During the official baton presentation ceremony, Athlete Ambassadors Sani Brown and Hashioka personally handed over WCH Tokyo 25 original relay batons to two student representatives. One of the students, who surprised by the feel of the baton, remarked:
“It was so light, I didn’t expect that! I’m really looking forward to running in our school sports day now”.
The ceremony was followed by a special clinic led by both athletes. After warming up together with the students, Sani Brown (who holds the Japanese national record in the 4×100m relay) joined Hashioka in demonstrating key baton-passing techniques. The students, especially those scheduled to run in the upcoming weekend’s school relay race, then had the chance to practice passing the baton themselves with guidance from the pros.
© Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Closing Ceremony
To wrap up the event, both athletes shared parting words of encouragement with the students.
Yuki Hashioka said:
“At the World Championships this September, I’ll be aiming for a big jump so you can proudly say, ‘I met him at school!’ I’ll be giving it my all, so please cheer me on. Thanks for such a fun day!”
Abdul Hakim Sani Brown added:
I hope you’ll come watch the competition at the Japan National Stadium. Seeing it live is a completely different experience from watching it on TV. you can really feel the energy and excitement. I hope it helps you discover the joy of running. Good luck with your school sports day!”
Post Event Comments
Yuki Hashioka
“I want to keep pushing myself so that, when you’re in the stands, I’m the kind of athlete you’re proud to cheer for. If my effort can inspire these children to dream bigger, I’ll consider that my greatest achievement".
Abdul Hakim Sani Brown
“I’m determined to produce a performance that makes everyone in Japan who’s supported me feel proud. A World Athletics Championships in Tokyo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I intend to give it absolutely everything I’ve got".
Applications for the WCH Tokyo 25 Free Ticket Program for Children—offering free admission to school-aged children in Tokyo—are scheduled to open on Friday, 6 June.
