Ryouma Kimata: A Beacon of Hope for Future Athletes
In an exciting announcement, the Able Cultural Promotion Foundation, established by Able Holdings, has chosen four exceptional young athletes for its prestigious grant program, the Able Foundation Medal Materials, for the fiscal year 2025. Among these athletes, snowboarder Ryouma Kimata stands out, having been honored with the distinguished "Platinum" title due to his remarkable achievements and bright future prospects.
Founded with the aim of supporting promising youth in the fields of academia, culture, and sports, the Able Foundation is committed to nurturing talent that excels not only in performance but also in character and the desire to contribute to society. The evaluation criteria for the athletes include their skills in competition, personal growth, and commitment to social contributions, ensuring a holistic approach to talent identification.
Ryouma Kimata: A Promising Talent
Ryouma Kimata, born on July 24, 2002, and currently associated with Yamazen, has been passionate about snowboarding since childhood. His participation in numerous competitions, both domestically and internationally, has positioned him as a top athlete to watch in the 2025 fiscal year as he aims for even greater heights on the world stage. The selection committee praised his technical skills and highlighted his earnest approach to competition and personal growth, stating, "Ryouma's commitment to improving himself while remaining humble in the face of achievement is truly impressive."
In addition to the Platinum title, Kimata will receive a trophy and supplementary awards from the foundation to support his athletic journey.
Overview of the 2025 Athlete Grant Recipients
The following talented young athletes have been selected as recipients of the Able Foundation Medal Materials:
| Name | Sport | Date of Birth | Affiliation |
|---|
| --- | ---- | --- | ------- |
| Ryouma Kimata | Snowboarding - Big Air | July 24, 2002 | Yamazen |
| Daisuke Watanabe | Snowboarding - Big Air | April 30, 2011 | Charafactory |
| Ria Mori | Skiing - Alpine | June 28, 2008 | Nihon University Yamagata High School |
| Yu Saito | Ski Jumping | October 11, 2005 | LuFT |
*Grant Period: October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026 (1 year)
About the Able Foundation Medal Materials
The term "Materials" refers to the inherent capabilities and characteristics of an athlete. Thus, the phrase "Medal Materials" denotes individuals possessing the potential to aim for medals. Young athletes who exhibit remarkable performance and character evaluations are classified as Able Foundation Medal Materials, with the prestigious "Platinum" title reserved for those who excel above others.
Selection Committee Insights
The selection committee, consisting of notable figures from various sports backgrounds, echoed their support for Kimata. "Ryouma's dedication to nurturing future athletes is commendable," remarked Hiroshi Shimizu, a former Olympic gold medalist in speed skating. Other committee members included former ski athletes and interpreters, all agreeing on the potential impact Kimata could have on the next generation of athletes.
About the Able Cultural Promotion Foundation
Founded in August 2020, the Able Cultural Promotion Foundation embraces the vision of supporting youth with aspirations to make a global impact while challenging themselves for the betterment of society. Since its inception, the foundation has welcomed approximately 200 scholars, and commencing in the fiscal year 2024, it expanded its support to include sports grants for athletes.
Able and the Able Group remain committed to encouraging dreamers who strive for excellence and contribute to a richer society through comfort, convenience, and prosperity.
For more information, visit the Able Foundation's official website:
Able Foundation