[Rikishi News] Chiyotaikai

[Joe Kuroda <joe_kuroda@yahoo.com>]

Nikkan Sports - Feb. 27, 1999
------------------------------

Kokonoe beya's ozeki Chiyotaikai has been selected as the 1999 "poster
boy" for the Youth Health and Welfare campaign organized by Public
Releations department of Prime Miniter's Office.  They've already
finished shooting the photos of Chiyotaikai in mawashi.

The campaign slogan will be "Daredatte Gambareru Dohyo ga aru"
(literally 'Anyone can do their best. There is a dohyo').  The
Chiyotaikai photo will start appearing in magazines and commuter train
advertizing boards starting in mid March.

The success story of an ex-delinquent youth who persevered and strived
to polish his talent and god given talent to achieve an ozeki was the
most appropriate message the officials said they wanted to convey.

Prime Minister's Office Publice Relations department explained of
their selection, "'Make your own efforts with encouragement from
people around you. Dream and do your best'.  He would be the best
spokesman to convey that message,  to our youth."  

Chiyotaikai has already been selected by Narita Customs and Duty
Office for their "Narcotics and Other Contraband Prevention" program. 
And his training is going well as well.

On February 26, he has completed 31 training matches with Makushita
rikishis.  He repeatedly showed he had enough power left after
tachi-ais as well as he could withstand any attacks at the dohyo ring.

"I feel good and I'm in a pretty good shape," said Chiyotaikai.   He
will land in Osaka on February 28, to make the final preparation for
his first basho as an ozeki. 
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com