Katsusada Hirose President The 27th Oita International Wheelchair Marathon Governor of Oita Prefecture

On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 27th Oita International Wheelchair Marathon, I would like to inform you that the race will be held at Oita city, Japan on October 28th, 2007.

With the contribution of athletes and supporters, the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon has grown up and is now praised as one of the world greatest wheelchair marathon, since its start in commemoration of the United Nation’s International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981, leaving marvelous memories and records.

The 26th Oita Marathon last year was a great and memorable event, with 293 athletes from 15 countries and territories and from 39 prefectures nationwide, put on a display of exciting race to Oita Municipal Athletic Stadium in finishing area and completed with the first victory by the Japanese athlete of Oita Prefecture.

I am always fully impressed with athletes challenging the limits of themselves towards their own goals under the beautiful autumn sky and the circle of friendship among them standing beyond disability.

I believe in the 27th Oita Marathon athletes powerfully pushing the rims for the finish will give courage and hope and touch the hearts of, not only the persons with disability, but also of the spectator who cheer along the course.

I look forward to your participation and seeing you in Oita again this year.