Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda received a courtesy call from gold medalists at the 2011 8th International Abilympics at the Prime Minister's Office.

The International Abilympics is an international competition held approximately once every four years in various countries of the world in which persons with disabilities compete based on their skills. The 8th International Abilympics was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea in September of last year.

The Prime Minister said in his address, "As Mr. Taro Muraki, Team Leader, reported a moment ago, the Japanese national team did a remarkable job of winning 13 medals. I'm sure that the team was able to demonstrate to the full extent the fruits of all of its studies. I would like to express my sincere respect to the team.
In particular, gold medalists Mr. Sueyoshi Baba and Mr. Teruhiro Kido, the two of you received the highest honor at the world stage amid tremendous pressure and tension as members of the Japanese national team. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on this honor. I believe this honor is not simply for the two of you. I believe it truly gives dreams and hopes to the people who wish to raise their skills, regardless of whether or not they have special needs. I hope the two gold medalists will continue their studies and aspire to further enhance their skills." The Prime Minister then presented the Prime Minister's Award to the two gold medalists.