IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE: Kendama Clinics to be held at GPO

The Guam Premier Outlets is hosting a Kendama clinic on July 12th & 13th. Those interested in learning how to play the game of skill will learn from one of Japan's expert Kendama players Mr. Hiroyuki Yano. The two-day clinic will be open to ages 8 and up. Mr. Yano will demonstrate and teach various Kendama tricks. Yano's Kendama career spans 21 years. He is currently the Vice President of the Japan Kendama Association.

"This summer we wanted to offer something a little different for children ages 8 and up. The Kendama craze is gaining momentum in the mainland and in Hawaii. We thought it would be nice to have the opportunity for our kids and adults to learn from a Kendama expert," said Monte Mesa, GPO General Manager. " The clinics are basically the first of many Kendama events here at GPO. Preliminaries will then take place for the next six Saturdays leading up to the contest at the end of August," he said. Winners of the Kendama contest in August will win cash and/or gift certificates.

The traditional Japanese wooden skill-toy, Kendama, consists of a ball attached by a string connected to a stick with three cups and a spike. The object is to create different combinations by catching the ball onto the different cups and landing it on the spike. The positive benefits of playing Kendama are that it strengthens hand-eye coordination, develops patience, focus and discipline. "Hopefully our kids will eventually put away the game controllers and play Kendama with their friends," Mesa said.

The Kendama clinics are set to take place on July 12th & 13th from 11 A-5P near the Nike Store at GPO. Clinics will commence every half hour. GPO will have a few Kendamas available for the clinics. For those who would like their own Kendama they are being sold at the Twinkles Toy Store.

The Kendama event is co-sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan, Guam Nikkei Association (GNA), Pacific Islands Club, Twinkles Toy Store, and United Airlines. For more information you may contact Monte Mesa, GPO General Manager at 647-1584 or Suzanne Perez, Director of Marketing and Operations at 647-1583.