Our Town Inagi 2021: Hirao Floorball Club

Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19, we won the National Neo-Hockey Championship

The Hirao Floorball Club, active at Inagi Dai 2 Junior High School, participated in the 10th National Neo Hockey Tournament held on June 27 at the Seiden Chemical Arena (Saitama City), winning the championship in the general men's and mixed categories, and finishing as the runner-up in the general women's category.
Neo hockey consists of teams of six players, competing to score by shooting a plastic ball with holes into the opponent's goal using plastic sticks. Ken Iijima, who participated in the general men's category and resides in Hirao, shared, "It's a sport with intense offense and defense, and the sense of speed is its charm."

Yuto Iijima, a 3rd year student at Inagi Dai 2 Junior High School, reflected, "It was a competition where I felt the difference in speed and power compared to adults." Additionally, Ken Iijima expressed, "I was most happy to compete together with my middle school son (Yuto) and win the championship." Yuto Iijima, a 3rd year student at Inagi Dai 2 Junior High School, reflected, "It was a competition where I felt the difference in speed and power compared to adults." Additionally, Ken Iijima expressed, "I was most happy to compete together with my middle school son (Yuto) and win the championship."

The Hirao Floorball Club was established by Ken Iijima, who was introduced by the Sports Association as a new sport. Initially, the activities were conducted by a small number of people, but now it has grown into a large team with over 50 members, engaging participants from children to adults. In practice, they are working on improving skills while also focusing on nurturing the younger generation. When asked about future goals, Ken Iijima expressed, "I want the elementary school students practicing here to increase their friends and enjoy their activities." Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, such as periods when practice could not be held and the cancellation of tournaments, the Hirao Floorball Club has overcome these difficulties and won the national championship. Let's continue to support the Hirao Floorball Club in the future.