Children with the Cranes at one of Ice Hockey Classes in 2003 Since 2002, the Cranes of Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., which is the Company's own ice hockey team, has held ice hockey classes every year in August for the elementary school children of Kushiro City, in the hope of conveying the joy of ice hockey. In the classes, the manager, coaches and several players from the Cranes give instruction at practices held for elementary school students at skating rinks in the city. There are more than 20 elementary schools in Kushiro City. Children skate in gymnastic classes at schools throughout the winter, and ice hockey is a favorite sport for most boys and girls. But with recent declines in the overall population of children, the number of players available for school hockey teams has fallen. In some cases, several schools have had to band together to form joint teams. Given these trends, school teachers, children and parents have been grateful for the friendly and simple instruction offered by players of the Cranes. The Nippon Paper Industries Cranes will continue to provide the classes as an opportunity for the children of the community to experience the joy of ice hockey. Through this activity, the team hopes to promote ice hockey and regional sports. →Go Back to Major Activities