Construction was completed on the Higashi-Toyoda Dormitory (Chuo University Association of Student Clubs Athletic Union Higashi-Toyoda Dormitory, 1-7-11 Higashi-Toyoda, Hino City), a facility for housing students who are members of the track and field team. On March 19th, concerned parties attended a completion ceremony for the dormitory. The completed dormitory is a five floor building constructed of reinforced concrete. The dormitory has a building area of 601.95 square meters and a floor area of 2,045.89 square meters. Living space consists of dormitory rooms which accommodate two students each, and the nearby Asakawa River provides an embankment which is perfect for practicing running on roads. This outstanding environment is perfect for both study and sports, and the facilities have created even higher expectations for the track and field team.

The completion ceremony was attended by Shuji Hisano, Chair of the Board of Regents, Chancellor and President Kazuyuki Nagai, and approximately 50 officials of the university and construction company. The ceremony began with the expelling of evil spirits by a Shinto priest. During religious rites such as the reciting of Shinto prayers, branches from a sacred tree were presented by Chair Hisano, Chancellor and President Nagai and Director Jotaro Takagi of the Alumni Athletic Association. At the end of the ceremony, all members in attendance performed a toast with sacred sake and celebrated the success of the construction.

Chair Hisano gave the introductory speech at the ceremonial meal held after the completion ceremony. “The weather today is beautiful, and the heavens are truly blessing our new building. This marks a new start for everyone involved,” said Chair Hisano while offering his prayers for the future glory of the track and field team.

Chancellor and President Nagai made the following statement to encourage the athletes: “A wonderful building has been completed. I hope that these new facilities serve as a mecca for the tradition of the Chuo University track and field team. I hope that our team is loved by local citizens and leaves its mark on the world through stellar performances.” After some casual social interaction, the attendees toured the inside of the new dormitory. Attendees got a first-hand look at the extensive facilities and the high quality environment.

The first floor of the five floor dormitory contains a cafeteria/meeting room with a capacity for 80 people. Also on the first floor are a training room with extensive equipment, a manager's room, and showers for the athletes. The second to the fifty floor consists of dormitory rooms. Long-distance athletes are housed on the second and third floors, while short-distance athletes are housed on the fourth floor as well as a portion of the third floor. In addition, the second floor houses a director's room and a coach's room. The facility also contains a tatami mat guest room for visitors such as high school students who aim to enter Chuo University. The fourth floor contains a study room, as an environment for learning has been prepared at the dormitory.

On March 30th, the members of the track and field team vacated their rooms at Minami-Daira and moved to their new living quarters at the Higashi-Toyoda Dormitory. “It's a perfect environment,” says Coach Haruo Urata of the track and field team. “Now it's up to the students to commit themselves to studying and training. I hope that our team can live up to the expectations of local citizens.”

(Editorial Office)

Facilities ideal for study and sports.