[Time Passes] 100th Anniversary Ceremony and Celebration of the Skating Team

2024/02/19

Image: Panoramic view of the celebration

The Keio University Athletic Association Skating Team began in 1923 when skating enthusiasts from the Juku Mountaineering Club organized the Keio Skating Association, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Keio University Athletic Association Skating Team 100th Anniversary Ceremony and Celebration was held grandly in the "Prince Room" of the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa. We welcomed President Ito and other Juku officials, as well as representatives from the skating world as guests of honor, with a total of approximately 300 members of the Mita Skating Club and current team members gathering together.

The ceremony opened at 11:00 AM with the entrance of the Keio School Flag and the Rendition of Alma Mater "The Juku-ka." Following greetings from the Director of the Skating Team, Miki, and myself, we received words of congratulation and encouragement from the President representing the guests.

After the introduction of six guests of honor, we screened the "100th Anniversary Commemorative Video," which looked back on the 100-year history of the Skating Team through 80 memorable photographs.

Next, the Skating Team Distinguished Service Awards were held, and "Commemorative Plaques" were presented to 11 members who achieved remarkable results in the activities of the speed skating, figure skating, and ice hockey departments.

Finally, Mr. Saiki, Chairman of the Administrative Affairs Office of the 100th Anniversary Project Executive Headquarters, explained the "Future Message" toward the 125th anniversary, based on the recent reform themes of the Skating Team and the Mita Skating Club, and the ceremony concluded smoothly.

Following a break, the celebration began at 12:15 PM. Vice-President Yamauchi of Keio University gave a congratulatory speech on behalf of the guests, and the banquet opened with a greeting and a toast by Mr. Nagura, President of the Mita Athletic Association.

Between meals and conversation, the venue was greatly enlivened by elaborate projects such as interviews with senior members, an introduction and video screening of the episode regarding the excavation of the time capsule buried next to the Hiyoshi shooting range for the 75th anniversary project, an introduction of exhibits, image videos of the three departments, activity reports from current members of each department, and a digest video of the 2018 Keio-Waseda ice hockey regular match victory.

Afterward, all attendees sang the Skating Team song and "Wakaki-chi," and finally, Vice-President Umeura of the Mita Skating Club concluded the ceremony and celebration with closing remarks.

We received positive feedback from the guests and members who attended, such as "It was a wonderful 100th anniversary ceremony, truly worthy of Keio," and "I once again experienced the history and excellence of the Skating Team," allowing us to successfully hold the commemorative ceremony and celebration. This is entirely the result of the tireless efforts of the many executive committee members who gathered into four subcommittees—Ceremony/Celebration, 100-Year History Compilation, General Affairs, and Finance—since the launch of the 100th Anniversary Project Executive Headquarters in 2021, and I would like to express my gratitude here.

At the start of the Executive Headquarters' activities, we decided that the purpose of the 100th anniversary project would not be limited to simply looking back at history or expressing congratulations, but would also involve sending a meaningful message for the future of the Skating Team to those both inside and outside the club.

In recent years, the Mita Skating Club has been working on four reform themes—"globalization of club activities," "nurturing the junior generation," "improvement of the practice environment," and "human resource development"—based on the "VISION STATEMENT" established in 2009 to further enhance the value of the Skating Team.

At this 100th anniversary ceremony, in order to further evolve our efforts toward these reform themes for the 125th anniversary, we took a new step forward by sending a "Future Message" stating that we will "take steady steps to lead the future of the student skating world in terms of both competitive results and the content of club activities."

In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the Juku officials who provide us with exceptional guidance and support on a daily basis, as well as to everyone involved in holding this commemorative ceremony and celebration.

Moving forward, all members of the Skating Team will continue to strive daily toward the realization of the "Future Message." I ask for your continued support and cooperation, and this concludes my report on the 100th Anniversary Ceremony and Celebration.