#Japan #Itabashi #Tokyo 2020 #Itabashi Volleyball #Sachiko Sugiyama

Commemorating the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with Volleyball Experience Events

As we mark five years since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Itabashi-ku is excited to announce a special volleyball experience event featuring the remarkable Sachiko Sugiyama, a former volleyball star who represented Japan in the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. This event is not just a chance to learn volleyball from a seasoned athlete; it also serves to foster community spirit and pass on the legacy of the Olympic Games.

Event Overview

The volleyball experience will be held on July 18th (Saturday), from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Itabashi-ku Azusawa Gymnasium (3-1-1 Azusawa, Itabashi-ku). It is open to elementary school students who reside or attend school in the Itabashi area, and requires parental accompaniment. The event is limited to 100 participants, with a selection process taking place if applications exceed available spots. The participation fee is 1,000 yen, which includes insurance coverage.

Enrollment for the event began on June 6th (Saturday). Interested parties can apply until June 23rd (Tuesday) through electronic applications or return postcards. Given the popularity of previous events, securing a spot is highly encouraged!

The Olympic Legacy

This event is part of a broader initiative that began in 2018, when Itabashi-ku signed an agreement with the Italian Olympic Committee. The partnership allowed both the Japanese men's and women's volleyball teams from Italy to practice at Itabashi's Azusawa Gymnasium during the Tokyo Olympics. The volleyball experience events contribute to creating excitement around the sport in the community leading up to the Games and aim to preserve the memories and connections forged during the event as a lasting legacy.

Since its inception, this volleyball experience has been conducted annually, making this year its seventh installment. Previous events have featured renowned volleyball figures such as former Japan national players Motoko Obayashi and Mari Ochi-ai, as well as professionals from the Tokyo Verdy volleyball team.

Meet Sachiko Sugiyama

Born in 1979, Sachiko Sugiyama’s volleyball journey began in fifth grade. She rose to prominence in 1997 when she was selected for the All-Japan Junior team and competed in the World Junior Championships. After graduating high school in 1998, Sugiyama joined NEC Red Rockets, capturing the Rookie of the Year award in her debut season.

Her career highlights include making her debut for the national team in 2000, winning a bronze medal at the 2001 World Grand Champions Cup, and representing Japan in two Olympics. Sugiyama has remarkable accolades, including participating in 329 consecutive V League matches, the most in league history, and collecting prestigious awards like the V League Honor Award, Best 6, Spike Award, and Block Award.

This event not only offers a unique opportunity to learn from an Olympic athlete but also aims to inspire a new generation of volleyball enthusiasts and create lasting community ties through sport. Don't miss this chance to engage in a meaningful athletic experience that celebrates the spirit of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics!

For more details and electronic application information, click here.