Pitch Contest 'AthTAG GENKIDAMA AWARD 2026' Aims to Prevent Athletes from Giving Up Dreams Due to Financial Reasons

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To all athletes aiming for the world stage

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Talented, yet unable to afford travel expenses.

Wanting to keep training, but lacking proper support.

Across Japan, countless athletes face such realities.

AthReebo Inc. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kanae Kanazawa) has long confronted this issue.

"No athlete should have to give up their dream because of money."

── This single principle gave birth to the 'AthTAG GENKIDAMA AWARD' in 2023 ──

This competition is a new kind of pitch contest where athletes win activity support funds not based on past achievements or fame, but on their ability to express their dreams in their own words and gain public empathy. The 2026 edition has now been officially confirmed, and applications from athletes are now open.

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What happened on stage last year? – 2025 Edition Performance Report

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▶ Record-high 121 athletes applied

▶ 8 finalists selected through rigorous screening

▶ Total of ¥12.5 million in support funds delivered to athletes

It’s not just about numbers. After the event, relationships with participating companies continued, leading to corporate lectures and networking opportunities by award winners. One pitch became a bridge connecting athletes and society.

▼ Voices from Award Winners (2025 Edition)

"If I hadn’t won today’s pitch contest, I wasn’t sure I could continue my activities next year. Winning brings me great relief. With this support fund, I’ll grow even more and absolutely become an F1 driver and win. I’ll stand proudly in the center of the podium and show it to everyone."

── Matsui Sarah, GOLD PRIZE Winner (¥3 million), Kart Racing

"I’m truly happy. I want to use this support fund to gain more experience, achieve more results, and give back. I aim to deliver emotion and smiles to my audience and become a champion at the world’s top competitions. I want to inspire children learning breaking by showing them what it means to challenge."

── Kishimoto Mirei, SILVER PRIZE Winner (¥2 million), Breaking

▼ The Story That Followed the Support Fund

The GENKIDAMA AWARD doesn’t end on event day. Igarashi Haruto (Ski Aerials), who won the BRONZE PRIZE and ¥1 million in 2025, maximized his funding and qualified for the 2026 Milan Olympics. A dream of standing on the world stage became reality through a single pitch.

Then, Igarashi personally visited each supporting company that backed his Olympic journey. "I wanted to thank them in person," he said. This action built priceless trust and bonds between athletes and companies—exactly the kind of ongoing partnership the AthTAG GENKIDAMA AWARD aims to foster.

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Four Key Features of the Competition

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① A stage where "power of words" matters more than achievements

Past performance or fame is not evaluated. What counts is "how well you express your passion and move people’s hearts." Athletes prove their own value and win support funds through their own efforts.

② An expanding circle of support

Since the first edition in 2023, both applicant numbers and participating companies have steadily increased. The 2025 edition saw a record 121 applicants. For 2026, even more companies and individuals are expected to join.

③ Transparent, purpose-specific "actual cost reimbursement" funding

Support funds are disbursed based on pre-submitted expense estimates, using an actual cost reimbursement model. Because usage is clearly defined, supporting companies can contribute with confidence. Transparency builds trust.

④ Genuine "long-term partnership" beyond the event

Six months after the event, a "Progress Report Meeting" is held with participating companies and stakeholders. It’s a space to review how funds were used and how athletes have grown. We value ongoing, sustainable relationships between companies and athletes—not just one-time events.

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Judged by those who’ve reached the top and those who move society

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The award’s judges consist of "legendary athletes" who’ve made history in Japanese sports and representatives from companies supporting the event. Young challengers’ pitches are evaluated from both "the perspective of world champions" and "the viewpoint of business leaders."

【Legendary Athlete Judges】

Tadahiro Nomura

Three-time Olympic gold medalist in judo; the first Asian to achieve this feat.

Kimiko Date

Reached a career-high world No. 4 in tennis; a legendary figure in Japanese tennis.

Atsuya Furuta

Legendary baseball catcher, known for serving as player-manager for the Yakult Swallows.

Reiko Shiota

Competed in Beijing and London Olympics; bronze medalist at the 2007 World Championships; badminton legend.

【Corporate Judges】

Representatives from companies participating in the event also serve as judges. They evaluate athletes’ visions, feasibility of plans, and depth of emotional resonance—bringing real-world business insights to the selection process.

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Event Overview

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Event Name: AthTAG GENKIDAMA AWARD 2026

Date: November 18, 2026 (Wednesday)

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Area (exact location to be announced)

Support Fund: Total ¥12.5 million (based on 2025 results)

Eligibility: Competitive athletes aiming for high-level competitions such as the Olympics or World Championships who require financial support. No restrictions on sport, age, or prior achievements.

Application Period: Open until June 30, 2026

Selection Process: Document review (via application form) and online interviews to select 8 finalists.