Olympic Games Sailor Leo Tahakashi Runs for Melanoma

Nov 6, 2020 | Events, Fundraisers, News, Stories

21-year-old Aucklander Leo Tahakashi had been selected to represent Japan in sailing at the 2020 Olympic Games, but his dreams were put on hold when the Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Needing a focus, Leo decided to run in the Auckland Marathon held earlier this month, and he wanted to do it for a cause to help him keep motivated and working hard.

We are really grateful that Leo chose Melanoma New Zealand as his cause to support.

“Melanoma continues to impact my family, and it’s a cause that I feel really strongly about,” says Leo, whose uncle died from melanoma.

“As a sailor, I spend many days and hours during the year out in the sun, and am really motivated to help spread the word that we are not invincible in the sun and we need to take action to protect our skin, and get any changes checked out early.”

Leo completed the marathon in 3.30.35 and raised more than $3000 for Melanoma New Zealand, with his fundraising supporting our work to spread the word about the signs of melanoma, as well as the importance of early detection and prevention.

Thank you, Leo!

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