Aioi Works Helps Hold 36th Aioi Bay Kids’ Ekiden and 2nd Aioi Bay Road Race
IHI’s Aioi Works provided part of its premises for the courses of the Aioi City Board of Education’s 36th Aioi Bay Kids’ Ekiden Race (an ekiden is a long-distance relay race), the 2nd Aioi Bay Road Race, and a family jog on December 10, 2023.
The Aioi Works has been part of the course for this ekiden for many years in response to the desire of city officials to enable kids from the Nishi-Harima area to run through the premises in view of IHI’s importance in the local community.
In 2022, the Aioi Bay Road Race debuted at the same time of the year in response to a request from the municipal government to replace a route that had previously covered the city’s public roads.
There were three events on December 10. These were the ekiden for 156 elementary and junior high school students from 27 teams, the road race for 14 junior high and high school students and members of the general public, and a family jog for 66 pre-elementary school children, parents, and guardians. All wore race bibs sporting the IHI logo. Some of the children taking part benefited from the raucous encouragement of IHI employees who were also their parents.
Feedback from the employees was very positive. One was impressed to see the kids competing so enthusiastically. Another was delighted that parents and children alike could enjoy the day. One employee very much looked forward to the 2024 event. Other noteworthy views were that the day was an excellent vehicle for publicizing the Aioi Works among young people and that it was a great opportunity for families to see the premises while enjoying a local sports event.
IHI will continue to deepen ties with the municipalities in which it operates and keep undertaking community initiatives.