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K-Opticom Signs On As New Main Sponsor of Biwako Mainichi Marathon

http://mainichi.jp/enta/sports/general/news/20090616k0000m050017000c.html
http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2009061500675

translated and edited by Brett Larner

The organizing committee of the Biwako Mainichi Marathon announced on June 15 that it has secured electronic communications company K-Opticom as its new main sponsor ahead of the race's 65th anniversary edition to be held next year on March 7. K-Opticom is a 100%-owned subsidiary of Kansai Electric Power. Based in Kansai where it is best known for its 'eo Hikari' series of fiberoptic accessories aimed at the individual consumer, its reported sales for the period ending in March this year totalled over $1.2 billion. The company's sponsorship move reflects its corporate motto 'Making Active Contributions for Growth in the Community.'

The Biwako Mainichi Marathon typically serves as a selection race for the national teams in Olympics and World Championships years. This year Biwako became Japan's first IAAF gold label race, but at the same time the withdrawal of electronics maker Rohm after 10 years as the event's main sponsor had created fears that Biwako would be unable to go on after this year's running. K-Opticom's intervention assures the elite marathon a continuing future.
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