The presentation of a goodwill donation following the forest fires which severely affected the city of Marathon, in Greece.

Toray Industries (China), Co., Ltd (of Shanghai, People’s Republic of China) has (on 3rd, November, 2009) presented a goodwill payment 10,000 Euros to the city of Marathon in Greece, which suffered serious damage from forest fires in late August 2009.

Toray Industries, Inc. has sponsored the Shanghai International Marathon since 1997, for the purposes of supporting the Shanghai government’s efforts to encourage citizens to enjoy sports activities and improve their health.  Last year, the Shanghai Athletic Association invited the Mayor of Marathon, well-known as the birthplace of the marathon, to hold a seminar about the history of the marathon and its meaning. Also, to mark the event, a holy flame ignited in the ancient city was brought all the way from Greece. The event raised citizens’ awareness of the meaning of the marathon and to better appreciate the the joy of sportsmanship。

Toray Industries (China) Co., Ltd. is a “special sponsor” of the Shanghai International Marathon this year and has decided to also make a donation, with the support of the Shanghai Athletic Association, to the city of Marathon to emphasize its support and wish for a rapid recovery and to demonstrate the everlasting friendship between Marathon and Shanghai through sport.

Toray Industries, Inc. has men’s & women’s volleyball teams (the “Toray Arrows”) in Japan. It has also sponsored Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament for a quarter of a century. In such ways, it makes a social contribution through many different kinds of sports. Toray Industries (China) Co., Ltd will support the city of Marathon, the father of sport, to help towards its swift recovery and at the same time, will continue supporting the Toray Cup Shanghai International Marathon to further its own social contribution.

The 2009 Toray Cup Shanghai International Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2009. It is organised by the Chinese Athletics Association and the Shanghai Sports Federation; and is officially recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations.