Nagano- Reverend Shinji Inoue (43), resident minister of Kenshoji temple in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, recently participated in the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games (Vancouver, Canada). Although born with a dislocated leg, this did not stop him from developing an interest in sports. In fact, at the age of 5, Inoue began learning to ski at the nearby ski slopes. He continued to ski as a hobby until he saw the 1998 Winter Paralympics in Nagano. Seeing the Paralympics first-hand, a spark lit up in him to train for the Paralympics and through his determination, he was able to compete in the 2002 Salt Lake Games where he placed 8th in the men’s giant slalom event. He was later selected for the Torino Games, however, due to an injury during the World Cup tournament, he had to withdraw from competition. Following rehabilitation, he made a comeback, determined that the third time would be the charm. During a pep rally hosted by temple organization, Vihara Nagano, Inoue expressed his appreciation for all the support he had received and pledged his determination to aim for the top.