The potential of SDG project “SDG Smile,” undertaken by Gamba Osaka

From among the 17 SDGs, Gamba Osaka is engaging in the following four: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. There are many other items we need to work on as well, but we are starting with the work that’s right in front of us, even if it’s a small thing. For example, discarding trash in a way that conforms to the rules determined in the region is related to protecting the earth. Even with a small matter, someone who does things right even when no one else is watching is the most impressive. I want to grow to be that kind of person, and want to live in that kind of world, so I’m starting with myself. Then the person next to me will get involved, and before long the organization will get involved.
Children look up to soccer players, so we have some influence over society in that regard. Being aware of that while continuing activities in which the players and the entire organization come together as one, I hope we can expand the sphere of the SDGs.

"With the spread of COVID-19, many events have been cancelled. I hope things can go back to normal soon, and that we can enjoy playing soccer with the children again. When children come to events, they see the players and get really excited, but the truth is we get so much inspiration from the smiles of children. The emotions of the children remind us that playing soccer is fun.
I realized that even if someone is a pro soccer player, if they forget that playing the game is fun, things just won’t go well. I hope to continue having chances to connect with children so that I never forget the fun of soccer. "

"I’m from Hyogo, and when I was small, I often went to watch Vissel Kobe play. At that time Kazuyoshi Miura was playing on the team, and I was so happy to see “King Kazu” in real life! 　After that, I became a professional player and actually played Kazuyoshi on the field. It was really moving. Someday, I hope to reunite with the children I teach as pro athletes, and to play soccer together with them. That’s why I hope I can remain active as a player for a long time.
I bring my son to play on my days off, and sometimes meet youth soccer players. Although baseball is still more popular among young Japanese people, I hope to increase the number of young soccer players in our hometown through the activities of the team."

Panasonic is sympathetic to the aims of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are to “realize a better world and inclusive society.” The company has been providing support as a Worldwide Partner to the Olympics since 1987 and the Paralympics since 2014. And going forward, it will offer educational opportunities that draw out the potential of students through various sports activities in addition to soccer lessons. We will contribute to the development of the young generation who will be responsible for carrying the future.