Sayonara Tokyo, Ni Hao Beijing, Bienvenue Paris
Tokyo 2020 drew to its end with the closing of the 16th Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 last Sunday.
Toyota is honored to have been associated with the Games as its Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner since 2015. We offer our deep appreciation to every Olympian and Paralympian who have pushed their limits to achieve their impossible.
Former President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven who signed the sponsorship deal with Toyota President Akio Toyoda for the auto maker to provide global support for the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and related activities from 2016 to 2024, said of the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020: “Well, if those athletes can do all that, what about myself? Am I going to start my impossible as well?”
This aligns closely with the spirit of Toyota’s first global corporate initiative, “Start Your Impossible” (SYI), Toyota’s mission towards “Mobility for All”, which is to support a more inclusive, sustainable and mobile society in which everyone can challenge their impossible and make their dreams come true.
Since 2016, Toyota has mobilized and strengthened the global impact of Paralympic sports through its support of athletes, training programs, activities and opportunities around the world.
Toyota Motor Asia Pacific is especially proud of the seven Team Toyota athletes from Asia who competed for their National Paralympic Teams at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
We offer our heartiest congratulations to:
Ni Nengah Widasih, Powerlifter from Indonesia who lifted a total of 98 kg (more than double her body weight) to bring home a Silver Medal in the 41kg Para Powerlifting event. She said: “Never give up, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
Toh Wei Soong, Swimmer from Singapore who set two new national records for Singapore. In the 50m freestyle heats, he achieved 28.65 sec, breaking the former record of 29.01 sec. And he also set a new national record for Singapore in the 50m butterfly with a time of 29.90 sec to qualify for the finals.
Ernie Gawilan, Swimmer from the Philippines who made it to the men’s 400m freestyle finals, taking sixth place with a time of 4:56.24.
To all our other Paralympians who have “achieved their impossible” by overcoming odds, challenges and even adversities to compete at these Games: you have each shown your abilities, and we wish you all the very best as you continue your journey of excellence to go Higher, Faster, Stronger.
- India: Amit Kumar Saroha, Club Throw – Para Athletics
- Malaysia: Abdul Latif Romly, Long Jump – Para Athletics
- Singapore (Toyota Motor Asia Pacific): Sophie Soon, Para Swimming
- Thailand: Anchaya Ketkaew, Para Swimming
COO of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, Hao Tien said: “We thank every one of our Olympians and Paralympians from Team Toyota Asia who competed for their national teams in Tokyo 2020. They inspired and lifted our spirits with passion, courage, and unwavering commitment to their sport. They are our Dual Heroes – and we applaud and celebrate each of them for their unwavering spirit. They have been heroes in their sport, and we know they will continue to be heroes in their chosen social causes.
“We are privileged that every one of our Global Team Toyota Athletes from Asia – India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam “Started their Impossible” journey with us. They are part of our Toyota family, and will always be an inspiration to all of us.”
Toyota has partnered with these athletes who are also Dual Heroes, as they have embarked on their own Hero Projects within their communities. Partnering with local organizations has enabled each athlete to pursue unique initiatives for social transformation. These initiatives include literary to road safety programmes, providing training facilities for sports, supporting children and youth, empowering women, arts and culture, and advocating a more sustainable environment.
Every Team Toyota athlete from Asia is an inspiring role model. They have dedicated themselves to achieving excellence in their sports and have set examples in advocating for change and transformation in their communities. Many have overcome their own ‘impossible’ challenges – whether socio-economic or physical – in their journey to pursue excellence.
