The governor acclaims Ueyonabaru, winner of two bronze medals in wheelchair track and field, as “a star for the senior generation.” (21se21)
Hirokazu Ueyonabaru (50, an athlete sponsored by the SMBC Nikko Securities Club) earned a bronze medal in the T52 (long distance) class 400 and 1500 meter track and field events at the Tokyo Paralympics in Tokyo. He and Okinawa Prefecture Governor Denny Tamaki chatted online on 16 September. Mr. Ueyonabaru stated, “Whether handicapped or not, if you keep your eyes on a goal without giving up, your dreams will be fulfilled.” After earning a silver medal in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, a second prefectural merit award has been decided for Ueyonabaru. Governor Tamaki lauded his achievements, “Even after turning 50, you’ve maintained your condition and motivation and earned medals again after 13 years. You’re a star for the senior generation.” Tomoya Ito, a T52 medal candidate, had his classification changed just before the competition. In an interview after earning his medal, Ueyonabaru expressed his thanks to Mr. Ito who had come for the competition, stati...