URAWA RED DIAMONDS

Abe receives Sainokuni Sports Distinguished Award   

Yuki Abe paid a courtesy visit to Saitama prefectural office in the afternoon on 13th July. Nearly 100 workers welcomed him. Abe was a bit nervous when receiving flowers from the female staff and headed to the governor’s room.

Saitama Governor Kiyoshi Ueda presented the “Sainokuni Sports Distinguished Award” to Abe. This is to recognize Abe’s great performance in “2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa”.

“Abe contributed a lot from defense to offence for the team. His great play gave courage and hope to residents of the prefecture. I myself fully enjoyed the game. That match alone was worth for 2 or 3 matches. Thank you very much for your hard work”, said Governor Ueda.

Abe received an award certificate of “Sainokuni Sports Distinguished Award”, a crystal statute, a commemorative plate, a sash and a Kobaton stuffed toy. With the stuffed toy in his hands, Abe went to the table to speak with the governor and members of the prefectural assembly. He answered various questions sincerely and some times enjoyably.

Abe touched on the J.League which will be restarting soon. “The national team was a really good team so it is with great regret that we will not be playing together. However, I am looking forward to playing against the players in the league.” GM Koichi Hashiratani followed and said, “The next home game will be held on 24th July against Hiroshima. I hope many of residents in Saitama prefecture can come to Saitama Stadium to support Reds”. Governor Ueda and members of the assembly were giving a seal of approval that Abe played well in the World Cup thus surely a lot of people would come to the stadium.

Yuki Abe
“I am very honored to receive such an award. Now I feel more responsibility to continue to work hard. I am very thankful to the governor and members of the assembly to have given me support and this award.”

【Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)】