Koji Murofushi awarded the World Fair Play Trophy
The World Fair Play Trophy for the IAAF World Championships, Daegu 2011, has been awarded to World Hammer Throw champion Koji Murofushi of Japan.
During the IAAF World Championships, in the presence of IAAF President Lamine Diack, Dr. Jeno Kamuti, President of the International Fair Play Committee, announced that Koji Murofushi, who was also the 2004 Olympic champion, had been awarded the Fair Play Trophy in Daegu for his exceptional behaviour and support after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Murofushi had already returned home to Japan, and so the trophy was accepted on his behalf by Susumu Takano, Head Coach of the National Team of Japan. In his pronouncement, he dedicated the Trophy to people of the Tohoku region of Japan.
"The people of the Tohoku region of Japan suffered so much after the earthquake and tsunami. So many people lost their homes, lives, and loved ones, but continue to live with a spirit as strong as ever. They inspired me so much during my recent visit. I want to dedicate this award to them. I believe that my mission is to encourage them and keep reaching out to the people. Thank you."