<Event Report> High School Students' "Eye Protection" Initiatives Reach Professional Sports

Sunglasses using the Galileo frame from Intermesh Inc. (Zoff) were adopted and worn by athletes from Setouchi High School's Boys' Volleyball Club and Tokyo Great Bears at the beach volleyball event "Sunba-ley 2026" hosted by Tokyo Great Bears on July 5, 2026 (Sun) at Omori Furusato no Hamabe Park. A joint program was also held.

On the day, both teams played and interacted while wearing sunglasses, conveying the importance of visual environment in sports and the significance of protecting eyes during outdoor activities to the attendees.

https://www.zoff.com/zoff-focus/20260708-8069/

[Background of the Initiative]

In June 2026, Setouchi High School began implementing the wearing of sunglasses in school life as an initiative to protect students' eyes from UV rays, with the desire to "protect the eye health of our students." Initially, it was introduced for outdoor activities such as club activities and physical education. As part of this initiative, Setouchi High School's Boys' Volleyball Club, which regularly conducts outdoor training and running on sandy beaches, adopted sunglasses using the Galileo frame.

This exchange program was realized in collaboration with the Tokyo Great Bears, a men's volleyball team in the SV League, who empathized with Setouchi High School's efforts to protect students' eyes.

[Scenes from the Day]

Setouchi High School Boys' Volleyball Club Greeting

At the beginning of the event, the MC introduced the Setouchi High School Boys' Volleyball Club, and the club president and vice-president spoke about their enthusiasm for the exchange.

Tokyo Great Bears × Setouchi High School Boys' Volleyball Club Exchange Match

Students from Setouchi High School's Boys' Volleyball Club, along with Ryusei Kurokawa, a Tokyo Great Bears player from Hiroshima Prefecture, and beach volleyball player Masato Katsuoka participated. The two professional players joined their respective courts and participated in a 4-on-4 exchange match with the high school students. There were moments where they received direct advice from the professional players and exchanged high-fives, filling the venue with smiles and cheers throughout. Everyone wore sunglasses using the Galileo frame, and through this exchange that transcended competitive levels, they experienced the joy of playing and the importance of the visual environment in sports.

・Comment from Ryusei Kurokawa, Tokyo Great Bears Player

I feel that the summer sun is very strong recently, and it puts a lot of strain on the eyes. Even during our regular training on the beach, there are times when the glare makes it difficult to see the ball, so I believe protecting our eyes is important for continuing our sport.

When I actually played wearing sunglasses today, I wasn't entirely used to it at first, but I felt a sense of relief from the reduced strain on my eyes. I want to actively use them in outdoor practice from now on.

I think it's a great initiative for students to be conscious of eye protection from a young age, like the students at Setouchi High School, and I would be happy if this movement spreads to other schools.

・Comment from a Member of Setouchi High School Boys' Volleyball Club

When playing with sunglasses, I found it easier to see the ball even in bright conditions and to concentrate on my play. They were light and allowed for easy movement, so I could play without feeling any discomfort.

Also, playing with the Tokyo Great Bears players was a very valuable experience. I want to apply what I learned and what I felt today to future tournaments and daily practices. Through today's exchange, I realized that protecting my eyes is also important for continuing in sports. I plan to use them from now on during outdoor activities such as beach training and running.

Intermesh Inc. (Zoff) will continue to promote the importance of eye protection through collaboration with various stakeholders, including schools and sports venues, and support the creation of an environment where children can engage in sports with peace of mind.