[JTB Corporation] JTB will hold the “Pickleball Hawaiian Cup” *JTB Co., Ltd.*
Press release: August 27, 2024
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JTB will hold “Pickleball Hawaiian Cup”
*~ “Pickleball” is a new sport that increases smiles and creates interaction ~* JTB Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “JTB”) will hold a “pickleball” event in Honolulu in February 2025 as an initiative to promote the popularization of the American sport “pickleball.” We will be hosting the Hawaiian Cup.
JTB entered into a partnership agreement with the Japan Pickleball Federation (hereinafter referred to as the “Federation”) in August 2024. In addition to this project in Hawaii in collaboration with the federation, we will also be considering overseas projects such as Guam and the United States as international exchange projects. We view pickleball as a “hub that creates exchange,” and we will work to “create a place that brings liveliness to the region” and “bridge international exchange.”
* ■What is pickleball?*
Pickleball is a racket sport that originated in the United States. It combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, and is a sport that allows anyone of any age or gender to easily start rallying. In the United States, it is the fastest growing sport, with approximately 50 million people, or 1 in 6 people, having already experienced it, and it has become a big trend, with professional leagues starting in various places and the fashion business.
* ■Background and purpose of sponsorship*
Sports are considered essential for leading a healthy and cultural life throughout life, including the healthy development of the mind and body, and maintaining and improving health and physical strength. Pickleball is attracting attention as a lifelong sport that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, with a focus on interaction between players and having fun while moving their bodies.
In addition, pickleball contributes to the following five goals of the SDGs, and we recognize that it is meaningful for JTB to work to promote its spread.
– 3: Health for everyone: It is a sport that anyone can start and continue with. – 5: Let’s realize gender equality: It’s a sport with little gender disparity – 10: Eliminate inequality between people and countries: It is a sport that can be started anywhere as long as you have a paddle (racquet) and a ball.
– 16: Peace and justice for all: A global sport with world standards – 17 Let’s achieve our goals through partnership: It’s a sport where people come together and have a spirit of excitement.
Furthermore, we felt that we could take a pioneering position in Japan and help popularize pickleball, which is spreading not only in the United States but also in Europe and other parts of the world.
* ■Future outlook*
Through this collaboration, JTB will actively work to popularize pickleball. Strengthen collaboration with JTB group companies with bases in each country and region, create various exchanges through pickleball, promote the creation of new places that evoke emotion and empathy, and promote regional revitalization and international exchange through sports. We will continue to contribute to
* ■Hawaiian Cup details*
-Pickleball Hawaiian Cup presented by JTB-
– Date: Friday, February 21, 2025, Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Contents: Practice sessions and exchange games held by Hawaiian pickleball coaches, and tournaments held by participants.
*Click here for tour details and application
* ■Inquiries from general customers*
JTB Nagoya Division TEL: 052-446-7143 (9:30-17:30 *12/30-1/3 and closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)