Tokyu Resort Town Tateshina Donates 'Pickleball' Equipment, a Next-Generation Sport, to All Public Elementary Schools in Chino City

Tokyu Resort Town Tateshina (Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, General Manager: Hiroya Sasamoto) has donated sets of paddles and dedicated balls for 'Pickleball', a new sport booming in the US, to all public elementary schools in Chino City to support the healthy physical and mental development of local children.

In addition to the decrease in exercise opportunities due to the spread of digital devices in recent years, children's lack of exercise and physical decline have become issues as outdoor play is restricted by the effects of extreme heat. Through this initiative, we will support the healthy growth of local children by creating opportunities to move their bodies while having fun in the gymnasium, regardless of the weather.

## Creating the 'Joy of Moving' for Children Together with the Community
The spread of smartphones and game consoles, as well as restrictions on outdoor activities due to record-breaking heat waves in recent years, have reduced opportunities for children to play and move their bodies. Exercise during the developmental stage is essential not only for physical aspects such as muscle and bone development, but also for fostering a healthy mind and body, including improving sociability through interaction and emotional stability. Therefore, in order to create an environment where children can move their bodies safely and easily indoors, we donated a complete set of equipment for 'Pickleball', a popular new sport with a rapidly growing number of players in the US and worldwide, to all public elementary schools in Chino City, where Tokyu Resort Town Tateshina is located. We plan to continue working with the community to support the healthy growth of children who will lead the next generation.

This donation was made against the backdrop of our efforts to set up dedicated pickleball courts at Tokyu Resort Town Tateshina and create an environment where people can experience pickleball on a daily basis. In addition to setting up dedicated courts, this donation was made with the desire to create more opportunities for the local community and facility users to enjoy sports more broadly.

## About 'Pickleball', a Sport with a Growing Number of Players Worldwide, Especially in the US
An explosively popular sport in the US that combines elements of table tennis, tennis, and badminton. Because the paddle (racket) is wide and the ball is light, even children who are not good at sports can keep a rally going from the first day and move their bodies while having fun. Poles and nets for badminton courts can be used as they are, and it can be introduced into classes and recreation in the gymnasium without any special construction. Tokyu Resort Town Tateshina, together with the Pickleball Association, is conducting activities to convey the fun of pickleball.