I would like to congratulate all the competitive riders and hobby riders who participated in Tour de Okinawa 2011, held in November 12th through 13th. I would also like to extend my appreciation for volunteer staffs, the board members, affiliated organizations and groups, the local citizens living within the area of event, the national highway office, Nago Police Station, Motobu Police Station, Okinawa Prefecture Police, fire departments in the northern region and the corporate sponsors.

Blessed by the beautiful weather, this year’s event ended without major problems, observing more than 4,400 participants in various categories, including the elite riders’ championship road race, the citizens’ road races, the cycling event for hobby riders, the unicycle competition and other various events.

With regards to the operation of the bicycle event, we are left with many problems and challenges. We deeply apologize for troubles and inconveniences that we might have caused on many volunteer staffs and the local citizens. We will exert our best efforts to overcome those shortcomings in the future events.

In addition to making this once-a-year event more of a sports event that grow with everyone - the locals and participants - who enjoys and loves the event, we intend to create an opportunity for the regional revitalization through the cycling sports as well as for the growth of the circle of bicycle lovers through the cultural exchange among the locals, the people from the mainland Japan and foreign countries. Lastly but not the least, we appreciate all the supports that everyone extended to us and we sincerely hope for your continuous instructions and assistance.

Sincerely,

Susumu Inamine
Non Profit Corporation Tour de Okinawa Board Chair
Okinawa Northern Region Wide-Area Public Body Board Chair
The Mayor of Nago City

November, 2011