【Project Activities】

◎ Exchange Games Project: Organized exchange games for university teams training in Kushiro, providing many people with the opportunity to watch for free.

◎ Development Project: University students hosted a junior school, contributing to the local community.

◎ Information Project: Conducted university information sessions by participating universities.

【Project Background】

As many university ice hockey teams hold training camps in Kushiro during the summer, we decided to utilize this opportunity to host exchange games between universities. Additionally, by holding ice hockey classes led by university students and information sessions for each university, we believed it would contribute to regional revitalization and promote exchange between young people and local residents.

【Project Objective】

To provide an opportunity for local children to watch top-level ice hockey up close, inspiring them to dream of university admission, becoming professional players, or joining the national team. By positioning Kushiro as a leading competitive training hub in Asia, various positive effects are expected for the local community and the sport as a whole. Furthermore, the presence of these exchange games adds value to the training camps in Kushiro, encouraging continuous visits and long-term stays from participating teams.

【Project Area】

Promotion of sports and development of a competitive training hub

【Methods】

Event/Competition Support

【Outcomes】

From August 21 to 25, exchange games were held with a total of seven teams: Meiji University, Chuo University, Hosei University, Doshisha University, Kwansei Gakuin University, Kwangwoon University (South Korea), and Bushukan High School, with each team playing four games. During this period, a junior ice hockey school led by university students (42 participants) and a university information session were also held. The junior school reached its capacity just five days after applications opened, indicating high local interest. At the university information session, students and parents could hear “real voices” from the universities, and many expressed that it was a meaningful experience, with numerous requests for it to be held again next year.Furthermore, with the participation of Kwangwoon University from South Korea, the exchange games became an international tournament. Hopes for further development have been raised, with two more teams from South Korea and two from Japan expressing interest in participating next year.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

[From Junior School Participants & Parents]”The university students were kind and taught us carefully, and my child had a lot of fun. They seemed to get a feel for the university atmosphere and became more aware of higher education.””It’s no wonder it reached capacity so quickly. I hope the capacity will be increased next year so that more children can participate.”[From University Information Session Participants]”I was able to hear real stories about university life that you can’t get from brochures, which was very helpful.””Ice hockey has broadened my options for higher education. These opportunities are precious in rural areas, so I really hope it continues.”[From Cooperating Staff & Stakeholders]”This event, which connects universities and the community, is truly unique to Kushiro. It was impressive to see the children’s eyes light up.””The participation of the Korean team added an international flair, and I felt the potential for this to grow into an even bigger tournament in the future.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

– Not all applicants could be accepted for the junior school due to exceeding capacity.

– The time and venue size for the university information session were limited, posing challenges for providing sufficient information.

– The interpretation and operational system for accepting international teams needs to be strengthened.

– A system needs to be established to accommodate future expansion in terms of overall schedule coordination and securing operational personnel.

【URL】

https://www.city.kushiro.lg.jp/bunkasports/sports/1015501/1015642/1012550.html

https://www.facebook.com/easthokkaidosc/posts/929698739192494?ref=embed_post