Soccer Shop KAMO recently delivered their assemble-it-yourself BALL KIT soccer balls to Hiroshima Shinsei Gakuen, a children’s welfare facility in Higashihiroshima City.
This marks the third time for Soccer Shop KAMO’s LONG PASS PROJECT, an initiative that uses a portion of proceeds from Molten product sales to bring BALL KIT soccer balls to various facilities. On March 26, the team visited Shinsei Gakuen to share the joy of soccer with the children there.
BALL KIT is an air-free soccer ball designed to help close the gap in children’s opportunities and serve as a valuable educational tool. Part of the “MY FOOTBALL KIT” program, it empowers companies and organizations committed to social contribution—and advancing the SDGs—to provide hands-on experiences for all children.
Shortly after lunchtime, the Soccer Shop KAMO representatives arrived at the facility, greeted by more than 20 excited kids. One by one, each child received a BALL KIT from the KAMO and Molten staff and began putting it together—instructions in hand. They were quick learners, completing their balls in no time!
The children then split into teams and played various games with the soccer balls they had just assembled themselves, filling the facility with smiles throughout the day.
■ Comment from Mr. Tetsuo Kamikuri, Director of Hiroshima Shinsei Gakuen
“In daily group living, it’s not often that the children feel a personal sense of accomplishment. But watching even the youngest of them focus on assembling their own ball and then beaming with pride once it was finished was absolutely wonderful. There can be plenty of squabbles among the kids (laughs). That’s why we host group activities through sports to foster cooperation. Interacting with people from outside the facility, like today, really inspires them and helps them develop social skills. We’re so grateful.”
■ Comment from Mr. Kohei Kurasako, Store Manager at Soccer Shop KAMO Hiroshima PARCO
“This was a great experience for us, because it was such a different environment—being able to interact directly with the children.
Through our LONG PASS PROJECT, we plan to continue supporting kids through soccer, and we hope to stay involved in future activities.”
■ A Word from One of the Children
“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit us. It was wonderful to see everyone’s smiles thanks to these soccer balls. We hope you’ll visit us again soon. Thank you very much!”
Once again, this event offered a special experience that could spark real growth for these children. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved!