Tokyo 2020 Olympic 5th Anniversary Volleyball Experience Event with Olympian!

[Overview] Itabashi City will hold a volleyball experience event featuring former women's volleyball player Sachiko Sugiyama, who represented Japan in the Athens and Beijing Olympic Games, as an instructor. In May 2018, the city signed an agreement with the Italian Olympic Committee, deciding to provide the municipal Azusawa Gymnasium as a practice venue for the Italian men's and women's volleyball teams during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The volleyball experience event organized by the city is held annually. Before the Olympics, it was conducted as a project to build momentum for the Games and volleyball; after the Olympics, it continues as a "legacy project" to pass on the exchanges and emotions born from the Olympics to future generations. This year marks the 7th edition. In the past, the event has featured former Japanese women's national volleyball players Motoko Obayashi and Mari Ochiai, as well as the Tokyo Verdy volleyball team. Applications for the volleyball experience event, targeting elementary school students living or attending school in the ward, began on Saturday, June 6, with a capacity of 100 participants. [Details] Date & Time: Saturday, July 18, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Venue: Itabashi Municipal Azusawa Gymnasium (3-1-1 Azusawa, Itabashi City) Target: Elementary school students living or attending school in Itabashi City (must be accompanied by a guardian) Capacity: 100 participants (lottery if oversubscribed) Fee: 1,000 yen (including insurance) Application: By Tuesday, June 23, via online application or return postcard. [Instructor: Sachiko Sugiyama] Born in 1979. Started volleyball in the 5th grade of elementary school. In 1997, as a high school junior, she was selected for the All-Japan Junior team and competed in the World Junior Championship. After graduating high school in 1998, she joined NEC Red Rockets, winning the Rookie of the Year award that same year and achieving an undefeated league championship the following year. She was first selected for the All-Japan national team in 2000 and won a bronze medal at the 2001 World Grand Champions Cup. She competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2013, she achieved a V-League record of 329 consecutive games played. She played for the same team for 15 years, winning numerous titles including the V-League Honor Award, Best 6, Spike Award, and Block Award. *Note: The above information is as of the time of the press release and may differ from current operations.