On November 14, Canon lent its support to the 30th Commemorative Oita International Wheelchair Marathon in Oita, Japan.

Started in 1981 as the world's first international marathon exclusively for wheelchairs, the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon is now the largest event of its kind in the world, as well as the premier race for competitive wheelchair runners. Canon has supported the race continuously since 2006.

A total of 350 runners representing 24 countries participated this year, which commemorated the 30th holding of this marathon. It was filled with heated contests up to the very end of the race at the goal line.

Furthermore, Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito honored the event by attending to watch, which greatly encouraged all the athletes.

66 volunteers from Oita Canon Inc. and Oita Canon Materials Inc. participated in helping to put on the event. In addition to providing support for runners as they inspected the course in advance, the volunteers also aided in crowd control at the venue entrance and traffic control on the day of race.

The impressions expressed to us by the employees who volunteered demonstrated that this year's event as well was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the athletes and the community.

A Canon volunteer who helped with crowd control at the race venue entrance commented that, "I participated together with my workplace colleagues. It made me happy that we could contribute to the community by using the solidarity we routinely have honed in the workplace."

Another Canon volunteer, who helped with traffic control at the race starting line, said that, "It was the first time for me to watch this race and I was surprised by how unexpectedly powerful it was. The sight of the runners racing over the course so vigorously impressed me of course, well as the very passionate cheering by the people watching along the course. I found myself rooting with all my might along with them.