Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Visited by Over 10,000 People Annually for Training Camps: PR Video Completed for "Sports x Learning x Experience Program (SPO-GAKU Experience Program)"!

The Shibushi City Sports Organization Promotion Association is responsible for attracting sports and cultural training camps and competitions, which is one of Shibushi City's initiatives to attract tourists. To further promote training camp invitations, the association has developed a unique sports training camp invitation plan for Shibushi City, called the "Sports Training Camp x Learning x Experience (SPO-GAKU Experience Program)". This program is not solely focused on improving athletic performance but also incorporates experiential tourism that allows interaction with local industries and culture, peace education, and exchanges and experiential menus with companies and schools in the Kansai (Suminoe Ward) area connected by Ferry Sunflower, all against the backdrop of developing sports facilities and hospitality services. This time, with the cooperation of the baseball and boys' soccer teams from Hokushou High School's sports department in Otaru City, Hokkaido, a PR video was filmed showcasing their experience with the SPO-GAKU Experience Program. The purpose of this PR video is to increase training camps in Shibushi City through the SPO-GAKU Experience Program and to improve the city's image as a training camp destination by attractively conveying the actual experience.

## The SPO-GAKU Experience Program was sparked by a coach's comment...

Until now, Shibushi City has attracted sports training camps by leveraging its warm climate and convenient access from the Kansai region. To maximize these advantages, it has focused on attracting schools from Eastern and Northern Japan where winter snow makes practice difficult. During a visit to Hokushou High School in Otaru City, Hokkaido, to invite them for a training camp, a coach's comment, "Since we're coming all the way to Shibushi City for a training camp, I want the children to gain some insights and experiences for their future through the Shibushi City region, not just focus on improving athletic performance," sparked the idea for the comprehensive "Sports Training Camp x Learning x Experience" program, the SPO-GAKU Experience Program.

### Tripartite Cooperation Agreement between Shibushi City, Suminoe Ward of Osaka City, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Sunflower Co., Ltd.

Through the "Tripartite Cooperation Agreement for Friendly Exchange between Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Suminoe Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Sunflower Co., Ltd." concluded in April Reiwa 7, the Kansai region