Hirakata Swimming School Athletes Shine on World Stage
Hirakata Swimming School (Hirakata SS) has recently gained further recognition with the accomplishments of its athletes at the World Championships. Representing the school, Ikka Kajimoto has secured medals in both Open Water Swimming (OWS) and competitive swimming. This achievement is particularly significant for the athletes and the school, as it illustrates the dedicated training and support provided by the institution.
In addition to Kajimoto's remarkable double medal achievement, fellow athlete Nobu Ohashi has also made headlines. He recently broke a 13-year-old high school record in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke, raising the bar for future competitors. These accomplishments highlight the potential and promise of the next generation of swimmers from Hirakata SS, setting the stage for exciting events, including the World Junior Championships and the Japanese High School Swimming Championships.
To continue this momentum, the Hirakata Swimming School has recently extended its crowdfunding project titled "From Hirakata to the Peak of the World" via the sports-centric crowdfunding service, Sportunity. The project aims to provide financial support for the athletes' ongoing development, particularly through high-altitude training camps both domestically and internationally. This is crucial for enhancing their performance in future competitions, including the next Japan Championships scheduled for March 2025 in Tokyo.
Background of the Crowdfunding Initiative
Hirakata SS has established itself as a breeding ground for some of Japan's most promising young swimmers, who have excelled in both national and international championships. Last year, thanks to the generous contributions of supporters, the school's initial crowdfunding campaign reached its financial goal, allowing them to conduct a successful high-altitude training camp overseas. This training has evidently paid off, as several swimmers secured spots for the World Championships.
In 2023, looking to inspire even greater achievements and foster the Next Age of swimmers, the school took the initiative to launch another crowdfunding campaign. This campaign is designed to support logistical costs related to ongoing training camps, as well as participating in international competitions, enhancing coaching, mental health support, and nutritional guidance.
As part of the campaign, the Hirakata Swimming School encourages community involvement and support to help its athletes achieve their dream of competing at the Olympics. Participants in this crowdfunding project will not only actively contribute to the swimmers’ journeys but also help shape the future of swimming in Japan.
Crowdfunding Project Details
To learn more about the project and how to contribute, visit
this link. Here are some essential details of the ongoing crowdfunding initiative:
- - Support Period: Extended until 23:59 on August 27, 2025.
- - Target Amount: 5 million yen.
- - Fund Allocation: Contributions will be primarily used for expenses related to training camps, participation in international events, and enhancements to coaching, mental support, and nutrition services.
Additional Rewards for Supporters
Those interested in supporting the initiative can gain unique perks:
1. Logo placement on training T-shirts worn by athletes competing in the national championships.
2. Inclusion of company names on Hirakata SS's official social media channels until the completion of the Japanese Championships in March 2026.
Various other rewards are also available for contributors, ensuring that the community collectively stands behind the athletes and their endeavors.
About Sportunity
Sportunity is committed to providing support for aspiring athletes and sports teams through minimal-fee crowdfunding opportunities, supplemented by robust advisory assistance. Additionally, the platform offers free media coverage to further amplify project reach and support.
To find out more about utilizing the Sportunity platform for your athletic initiatives, please visit
this link.
Sportunity is also looking to collaborate with media outlets for features on lesser-known sports teams and athletes, aiming to share their stories with a broader audience. For collaboration inquiries, please contact
[email protected].