The effects of COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of many events, one of which is the summer tournament of the Inter-High School Championships.

In response to the announcement, related parties in Miyagi prefecture are working to organize an alternative tournament in place of the Miyagi High School Championships to create an opportunity for high school students to demonstrate the results of their practice. Accordingly, on July 7, 2020 (Tue), Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. donated 1,800 Coca-Cola products through the Miyagi High School Athletic Federation, to show our support for the students and parties involved in this effort.

For the final stage

While the High School Athletic Federation of each prefecture is reviewing the hosting of an alternative tournament, circumstances vary per region and it is not an easy path.

Many high schools continue to refrain from club activities even now, and games against other schools have been canceled due to concerns about the spread of the virus. Lack of practice not only leads to injury or heat stroke but also presents many challenges, such as the closure of public facilities like the gymnasium making it difficult to secure practice areas and required actions to be taken if someone should get infected.

However, it is also true that high school students and related parties are working hard to create this opportunity for the seniors, which will be their final big moment on the ground. Thus, we took the liberty of donating our products to demonstrate our support.

Similarly, 1,800 Coca-Cola products were donated to athletes and tournament staff through the Yamagata High School Athletic Federation as support for the tournament held in place of the Yamagata Inter-High School Championships, which was also canceled due to COVID-19.

Five types of beverages were donated including Coca-Cola and Aquarius with the limited Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay design, etc. The drinks were delivered to athletes on the 11th at Lake Gassan's canoe sprint venue, after the end of the canoe competition which kicked off the alternative tournament.

Under our corporate philosophy "Paint it RED! Let's Repaint our Future.", CCBJI will aim to achieve our mission to "deliver happy moments to everyone while creating value.". In addition, we will remain committed to CSV (Creating Shared Value) and provide solutions through our business to the challenges that regions are faced with, and continue to seek for collaboration with all our partners.