Mazda Supports Homestay Program for Child Victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Mazda Motor Corporation will assist the Support Our Kids Project in sending ten junior and senior high school students to France for the organization’s 3rd Homestay Program. While in France the students will take part in celebrations for the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

The Support Our Kids Project assists children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake who will one day be responsible for the recovery of the Tohoku region. The aim of the project is to offer long-term support to these young people in their efforts to attain independence and self-reliance. One of the initiatives of the project is to offer cultural exchange experiences through overseas homestay programs and visits to foreign embassies in Japan.

The year 2013 marks 90 years since the inauguration of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Race organizers Automobile Club de l’Ouest have selected Mazda’s 787B as one of the most memorable racing cars of the 1990s. The 787B is both the only Japanese vehicle and the only rotary engine-powered vehicle to achieve an overall victory in the prestigious race. Students on the homestay program will take part in celebrations to mark the 90th anniversary and the iconic Mazda 787B will make a demonstration run.