Over 200 young climbers took part in the exciting sports climbing competition called "AKIYO’S DREAM with RYUGASAKI" held in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture. This event was initiated by Akiyo Noguchi, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes. The competition is not only a chance for children to showcase their skills but also a platform to cultivate a love for climbing among local youth.
The event, which runs until March 16, 2025, saw its first day on March 15, where elementary school students from grades 3 to 6 competed. Hosted at the New Life Arena Ryugasaki, the specially constructed climbing wall measures a striking 4.5 meters high and spans 28.8 meters in width. Participants tackled a “boulder” type of climbing, where they attempted to conquer various climbing problems within a limited time.
During the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Ryugasaki, Isao Kashiwara, gave an encouraging speech, saying, "In 10 years, there will be Olympic athletes coming out of here. Do your best!" His words resonated with the children, motivating them to strive for excellence as they engaged with the challenges ahead.
In the preliminary rounds, the young competitors faced a total of eight climbing problems within a period of 90 minutes. The stakes were high as climbers advanced to the finals, where they had four minutes to complete each of the four final climbing challenges. One standout competitor, 10-year-old Yuta Hamamatsu from Kuwana City, won in the 3rd and 4th grade division. "It looked tough, but I’m so happy that I managed to climb everything!" he exclaimed. Similarly, fellow climber Yuzuki Ishii, also 10 years old from Edogawa Ward in Tokyo, expressed her delight over her victory, stating, "It was fun, and I'm thrilled to win!"
A highlight of the event was the talk show that featured prominent climbers, including Akiyo Noguchi herself, her husband Tomoya Narasaki, and fellow national team member Ai Mori. During the discussion, Noguchi shared her aspirations for the sport, noting, "My next goal is to make it so that everyone can start climbing from a young age through club activities, classes, and lessons." This sentiment reflects her commitment not just to nurturing talent in competition but also to embedding climbing into the culture of youth sports.
March 16 will showcase competitions for junior high students, grades 1 to 3. The same day, another talk show will occur at 1 p.m., where participants can hear insights from accomplished athletes. With free admission, the event ensures that families and community members can come together to support the budding talent in their midst.
As the climbers gear up for the second day of competition, the spirit of camaraderie and encouragement thrives, marking a celebratory event not just for competitive climbing but for community and youth development in sports. The effort put forth by Noguchi and her team not only showcases skill but also emphasizes the importance of fostering future Olympic champions within the local area.
