Aki Taguchi, a former para-shooter who has participated in three consecutive Paralympic Games, will be the leader of the Japanese team for the Paris Paralympic Games, which will begin in August. "I want to do it," he said enthusiastically.
The JPC (Japan Paralympic Committee) held a press conference in Tokyo on the 6th and announced that Mr. Taguchi will serve as the leader of the Japanese team for the Paris Paralympic Games, which will begin in August.
Mr. Taguchi is 52 years old from Osaka Prefecture.
When he was 25 years old, he became ill and was confined to a wheelchair. After that, he started shooting and participated in three consecutive Paralympics until the 2012 London Games.
After retiring as an active athlete, he served as a director of the Japan Para Shooting Federation, a member of the JPC steering committee, a director of the JOC (Japan Olympic Committee), and served as vice mayor of the Olympic Village at the last Tokyo Games.
This is the first time that a former female athlete will serve as team leader for the Summer Paralympics.
Mr. Taguchi expressed his enthusiasm at the press conference, saying, ``There were various legacies from the Tokyo Games, but I want to create an atmosphere and environment where everyone participating in the Paris Games can perform at their best.''
The Paris Paralympics will begin on August 28th and will be held over a 12-day period until September 8th.