Alpron Junior Athlete Support Project: 20 Awarded from 252 Applicants Nationwide at 2nd Ceremony – Emphasizing 'Human Qualities' Beyond Athletic Ability to Support Future Challengers

Alpron Co., Ltd. (Head office: Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Masatoshi Sakamoto), which develops the protein brand 'ALPRON' that supports athletes, held the 2nd 'Alpron Junior Athlete Support Project' awards ceremony on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 'Omotesando Bamboo' in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

This project is an initiative to support junior athletes during their growth period nutritionally and financially, encouraging children who challenge their dreams even amidst 'experience gaps' due to economic and environmental reasons. In this second edition, there were 252 applicants from all over the country, and a total of 20 individuals were awarded the Gold Support Award, Silver Support Award, Bronze Support Award, and Special Support Award.

On the day of the awards ceremony, the awardees and their guardians gathered from all over the country, and their efforts and challenges were celebrated under the watchful eyes of guests, supporters, and related parties.

In his opening remarks, Representative Masatoshi Sakamoto stated, "There were 252 applicants, but we selected based on 'whether we want to support them' as human beings and for their human qualities, not just their athletic ability. The future of elementary, junior high, and high school students is not determined solely by their current achievements." He further expressed his expectation that each junior athlete would illuminate their surroundings and eventually become a presence that brightens society as a whole, quoting Saicho's words, "One who illuminates a corner is a national treasure."

The Gold Support Award was given to brothers Seiho Honda and Masatora Honda, who are dedicated to wrestling. In his acceptance speech, Seiho Honda spoke about realizing "the importance of nutritional management" and "gratitude to those who support him" while overcoming a period of injury. Masatora Honda said, "I value accumulating things in front of me one by one rather than doing anything special." Both brothers set their sights on winning medals at future Olympics, receiving a big round of applause from the venue.

Also, Sora Nakata (hardball tennis) from Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, who received the Bronze Support Award, said that he always keeps in mind "enjoying effort and continuing it" and "cherishing gratitude," and set his future goal as "the world's number one professional tennis player." His guardian commented, "Body building is the foundation for the junior generation, and we feel great gratitude for Alpron, a local Shimane company, for their support."

In his closing remarks, Sakamoto reflected, "I was moved to tears many times by the stories of the awardees and their guardians. I reaffirmed that such opportunities become nourishment for children." He also stated his intention to continue this project for 5 or 10 years, based on the idea that "there is no improvement in athletic ability without improvement in human qualities."

Alpron will continue to seriously engage in sports.