ISPS Handa Watch World Cup (1)

   The ISPS Handa Watch World Cup pro-am golf tournament was held on Nov.4 and 4 at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West. The course is situated at the foot of Mt.Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. 

   The event was sponsored by International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) founded and chaired by Dr.Haruhisa Handa and Misuzu Corp., a timepiece company run by him.

   ISPS Handa supports international organizations and events whose aim is to help those with disabilities enjoy and participate in sports through activities, including golf for the blnd and disabled.

   At a dinner for participants on day one of the competition, Dr.Handa said he believes in the power of sports to bring people of diverse backgrounds together. He said, "It has the power to connect people." 

　Dr.Handa appeared on the dinner venue, trailed by hip-shaking, feather-clad Brazilian samba dancers and in a sequined jacket --- all to enthusiastic applause.

    Dr.Handa has ties with numerous global luminaries in politics, sports and even royalty who are working to promote his charities. 

    One of such figures is Peter Phillips, son of Queen Elizabeth's daughter, Princess Anne. He praised those efforts. He is an ISPS Handa honorary ambassador and ISPS Handa UK patron.

   Phillips said, "On behalf of all us here and who represent ISPS Handa, we all fundamentally believe in the power of sport to change lives and that is why we all support Dr.Handa and all his initiatives across the world."

   Former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, another ISPS Handa patron, also lauded Dr.Handa, saying, "Your generosity is incredible."

   Participants in the tournament included Nick Faldo and Ernie Els, both multiple winners of major men's golf tournaments. Ladies Professional golf Association stars Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko and Minjee Lee also graced the fairways. 

    Japanese participants included World Golf Hall of Fame member Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki and Miki Sakai, who competes on the Ladies PGA of Japan tour. 

    

International Sports Promotion Society Chairman Dr.Haruhisa Handa (center)
and feather-clad Brazilian samba dancers
at a dinner following the first day of the ISPS Handa Watch World Cup
at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West in Shizuoka Prefecture on Nov.4



ISPS

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.19,2019）