YOKOHAMA, Japan (Nov. 21, 2012) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will co-host the 13th National Wheelchair Marathon, the "NISSAN Cup Oppama Championship 2012," with several local organizations. The special marathon will take place in the area surrounding Nissan's Oppama Plant in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on December 2.
Marking its 13th year, the three-day event has contributed to the development of sports for the disabled and strengthened bonds between the corporate sector and local communities. More than 500 Nissan employees and local volunteers have worked together as route marshals and water-station staff every year since the first event in 2000.
Attracting about 60 wheelchair marathoners every year, including accomplished paralympic athletes from all over Japan, the event celebrates these outstanding athletes. On the third day, athletes Masayuki Higuchi, Nobukazu Hanaoka and Wakako Tsuchida will participate in the race. The three competed in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
In addition to the main race, a wheelchair experience and exchange event for students of Takatori and Sawayama elementary schools in Yokosuka City will be held at the city's gymnasium on the first day. A time trial at the Nissan GRANDRIVE proving ground is part of the second day's activities. Elementary school students, along with other students and adults, can participate in this session with a wheelchair, regardless of disabilities.
Nissan employees may further their support of athletic organizations for the disabled by contributing to the "Taiyo Fund," which was created by Nissan for this purpose.
These special marathon activities are part of the many corporate initiatives that Nissan undertakes under "Blue Citizenship," the company's strategic platform covering the area of corporate social responsibility.
Blue Citizenship:
Blue Citizenship is the commitment of Nissan Motor Company to realize our vision of Enriching People's Lives. We commit to our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities where we do business to deliver engaging, valuable and sustainable mobility for all. Through our business activities, we aim to create economic value and to actively contribute towards the development of a sustainable society.
<Related Link>
CSR website http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/COMPANY/CSR/
Corporate Citizenship Activities website http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/CITIZENSHIP/
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($US118.95 billion). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.
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