At the Panasonic Open, a number of social contribution activities were conducted around the themes of "the environment," "nurturing the next generation" and "regional contribution."
From left to right: Mr. Yoshiike, general manager of Rokko International Country Club; Mayor Yada of Kobe City; and Takumi Kajisha, Managing Executive Officer of Panasonic. In the front row are three "Escort Kids" from the tournament.
- Panasonic Donates LUMIX Digital Cameras to Kobe Elementary Schools in Recognition of Assistance during Panasonic Open
In hosting the Panasonic Open Tournament, Panasonic received support and cooperation from Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. In recognition of the schools' assistance, tournament host Panasonic used part of the tournament proceeds to donate a LUMIX digital camera to every public elementary school in Kobe City as part of its support for education for the next generation. Of the 252 public elementary schools in Kobe City, 166 received a LUMIX FX-70 compact camera, while 86 received a LUMIX G2K SLR digital camera. It is expected that the cameras will be used on school trips and similar excursions.
At a presentation ceremony on December 9 (Thu) in Kobe City Hall, Panasonic Managing Executive Officer Takumi Kajisha handed a document detailing the donation to Mayor Yada of Kobe City, and a letter of thanks was given to Panasonic by Mayor Yada. The presentation went smoothly, with appearances from Mr. Yoshiike, general manager of Rokko International Country Club, and three Kobe elementary school students who had livened up the final day of the tournament as part of the 'Escort Kids' feature.
Eco-Bus
- Eco-Bus Service
Eco-Buses operating according to the below schedule provided free transportation to the gallery for tournament spectators. The buses utilized fuel produced through recycling tempura oil (BDF: biodiesel fuel) used in Panasonic's employee cafeteria and other locations.
Days of Operation: September 23th (Thu/Hol) - September 26(Sun), 2010
-Pickup from Kizu Station on the Kobe Electric Railway Ao Line and drop-off at the Rokko Kokusai Golf Club.
-Pickup at Tanigami Station on the Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line and drop-off at the Rokko Kokusai Golf Club.
Field Trip
- Field Trip
On September 24th (Fri), Panasonic invited 104 pupils from two local elementary schools on a field trip to the Panasonic Open venue. The program included watching play on the golf course and a walking tour around the tournament grounds to see the Panasonic staff at work. Upon visiting the tournament practice grounds, the pupils had the opportunity to see the players making great shots and ask them questions. The field trip concluded with a commemorative photograph.
Junior Lesson Session
- Junior Lesson Session
On September 25th (Sat), a junior lesson session was held for local junior golfers at the tournament practice grounds. Thirty children attended the event and received instruction from players competing in the tournament. Players such as Ryuichi Oda, Kenichi Kuboya, Shinichi Yokota, I. J. Jang, and W. Liang were kind enough to participate in the event at the driving range. The young golfers listened intently to the players' advice and practiced with much enthusiasm.
The Kid Reporters
- Kid Reporters
On September 25th (Sat), kid reporters from fourth to sixth grade of elementary school who had previously entered the Panasonic Kids School held interviews at the TBS broadcasting center, press center, and tournament volunteer headquarters with people working behind the scenes at the tournament.
2010's Escort Kids
- Escort Kids
On September 26th (Sun), the final day of the tournament, 36 local junior golfers escorted participating professional players to the starting hole, bringing some color to the closing section of the event.
The "Pic with Ryo" corner
(conducted using composite photography)
- Assistance in Charity Activities
Throughout the tournament, a "Pic with Ryo" corner allowing participants to take a souvenir photo superimposed on a photo of Ryo Ishikawa was available at the Gallery Plaza. A total of 725 people used the facility. A collection box for the "Asia Volunteer Center," a non-profit organization, was placed at this corner. Proceeds will be donated towards disaster restoration assistance and other activities in the Asian region.
