Sergey Bubka, the 'Birdman,' Announced as Advisor to LOCOK Track and Field Club

LOCOK Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Daiki Ishii; hereinafter “LOCOK”), a company engaged in early childhood education and wellness, announces on June 17 (Wednesday) that Sergey Bubka, the legendary athlete who set 35 world records in men’s pole vault, has been appointed as advisor to the newly restructured 'LOCOK Track and Field Club' starting this year.

Sergey Bubka

■ About Sergey Bubka

President of World Masters Athletics, born in Ukraine in 1963.

Former world record holder in men’s pole vault. During his active career, he won six consecutive World Championships and broke the world record 35 times. Known as the 'Birdman,' he has etched his name into the history of athletics. After retirement, he has held key positions in national sports organizations and international sports governing bodies, continuing to make significant contributions globally as a leader in sports, promoting sports development, nurturing young athletes, and supporting the healthy growth of youth.

■ Message from Sergey Bubka on His Appointment as Advisor

I am Sergey Bubka. Known as 'Chojin (Birdman),' I am honored and delighted to serve as advisor to the LOCOK Track and Field Club. I am truly happy and proud to be able to share my knowledge and experience with the athletes, coaches, and all members of the club. Sharing our experiences to help the younger generation achieve their dreams and reach their goals is extremely important. With joy and honor, I am committed to supporting the next generation of champions.

■ Message from Ishii, General Manager of the Track and Field Club

Sergey Bubka, who repeatedly shattered the word 'impossible' and continued to break the world record 35 times—welcoming this great legend as our advisor at LOCOK Track and Field Club brings us unparalleled joy and excitement.

Mr. Bubka’s athletic career, defined by never setting his own limits and always striving for greater heights, is the ultimate embodiment of our core philosophy: 'Make “I can do it” a habit.' It is precisely for this reason that he strongly resonated with our vision of 'education,' transcending borders and athletic disciplines.

We are not a team that solely chases victories and records in competitions. For us, rooted in the early childhood education program 'Tsukushi-kai' with over 35 years of history, athletes are 'living textbooks' who deliver hope to society and illuminate the future for children.

Currently, under the legendary coaching of Kumiko Okada, Misato Ueno, Japan’s national racewalking representative, is competing on the world stage, confronting her limits every day. The career and life-stage challenges of female athletes at the top level carry profoundly important messages for modern society.

With Mr. Bubka’s unparalleled global insights and the overwhelming mindset of a top-tier champion now joining us, their challenges will become even more powerful. Above all, it is my mission to return the 'essence of proper goal-setting' and 'mental strength to overcome difficulties,' derived from the highest level of experience, beyond the realm of track and field, to the next generation of children and all individuals striving toward their goals.

The passion of sports and the power of education—turning 'I can do it' into a societal movement.

With Mr. Bubka as our world-class advisor, LOCOK Track and Field Club will further strengthen its contributions to society and to the education of the next generation. We sincerely look forward to your continued support and expectations for our new challenges.

■ About LOCOK Co., Ltd.

Founded on the early childhood education program 'Tsukushi-kai,' established in 1992, LOCOK is an educational company aiming to create a cross-generational social movement centered on 'Education × Challenge.' Our mission is 'To change the world through the power of education.' We value the cultivation of human strength—the foundational qualities of character such as believing in oneself and persevering without giving up—as essential for individuals to shine on their chosen paths at any age.

Company Name: LOCOK Co., Ltd.

Representative: Representative Director Daiki Ishii

Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo

Business Activities: Early childhood education, wellness services, facility operations (e.g., LOCOK Wellness Garden Shinagawa Gotenyama), and management of the track and field club

Corporate Website: https://www.locok.jp

Track and Field Club: https://www.locok.jp/track_field_club.html

The LOCOK Track and Field Club is currently seeking event partners and sponsors. We welcome inquiries from interested parties.