Karuizawa Sports Festival 2025 A Day of Inspiration and Smiles with Top Athletes

As part of OBI Group's ongoing efforts with the Karuizawa Child Future Fund--a joint initiative launched in 2022 with the non-profit organization Sports Community Karuizawa Club--we held the Karuizawa Sports Festival 2025 on Sunday, May 18, at Kazakoshi Park in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.

Now in its second year, the event was organized by the Karuizawa Child Future Fund to provide opportunities for all children to experience sports and culture. This year, we also welcomed children with serious illnesses and their families through the "Hope & Wish for Children with Life-Threatening Illness and Their Families", an initiative we have supported since 2019.

On the day of the event, approximately 300 elementary school students from Karuizawa and neighboring areas took part. They were joined by an all-star lineup of 18 professional athletes, including former professional baseball player Mr. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games gold medalist in women's freestyle wrestling (76kg), Ms. Yuka Kagami, who brought the spirit of sports alive for the children.

・Baseball

Children practiced throwing and batting, eagerly asking, "How can I throw faster pitches?" One girl, who tried baseball for the first time, smiled brightly saying, "I was surprised I could hit the ball--it was fun! I want to try again!"

・Soccer

Mini games helped participants learn the importance of dribbling, passing, and teamwork. The atmosphere was joyful and relaxed, thanks to the athletes' warm and humorous coaching, which kept the kids engaged and inspired.

・Volleyball

Introduced for the first time this year, the volleyball class featured basic passing and attacking drills, as well as game-style play. One participant reflected, "I learned how communicating with teammates can energize the whole team," learning the importance of teamwork through sports.

・Wrestling

Children learned basic movements and techniques with enthusiasm and courage. Many were first-time wrestlers, listening to first-hand stories from the Olympic gold medalists and giving their all on the mats.

・Curling

Kids learned how to throw stones and sweep the ice. Although some struggled just to stay upright on the slippery surface at first, they gradually found their footing. "It feels great when the stone lands just where I want it!" exclaimed one participant.

Through these various sports, children discovered new passions, strengthened friendships, and experienced the joy and value of sports.

In a special "Kid Reporter" activity, participants became junior journalists, writing their own articles based on interviews and personal reflections from the event. This hands-on experience nurtured their communication, observation, and storytelling skills.

The completed articles will be featured in the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun's "Kids' Newspaper" section and its digital edition.

The day ended with a tug-of-war competition involving all children and athletes. Cheers, laughter, and friendly rivalry filled the air as everyone pulled together bringing the festival to a joyful close.

With blue skies and bright smiles all around, the Karuizawa Sports Festival 2025 was a special day for everyone involved. We hope this event inspired every child to embrace new challenges, express themselves through sports, and take bold steps toward their future dreams.

This event was made possible by the generous cooperation of many organizations and community members. OBI Group will continue to actively promote initiatives that nurture and develop children's 'zest for life' and bring smiles to all children in Karuizawa.

■ Karuizawa Sports Festival 2025

This event was planned to provide children with opportunities for social participation and sports experience, and to contribute to the development of local sports culture.

■ Sports Community Karuizawa Club N.P.O., Karuizawa Child Future Fund

The concept of the Karuizawa Child Future Fund, operated by Sports Community Karuizawa Club, is to provide all children in Karuizawa with opportunities to experience sports and cultural arts, to nurture their healthy minds and bodies, and to develop their "zest for life".

By providing opportunities to experience sports and cultural activities, we work to eliminate the experience gap between children and provide them with many choices.

For inquiries about this event

OBI HOLDINGS CSR Team

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