Group 1: Event Overview - A press conference was held in Guangzhou during China's 15th National Games, featuring officials from multiple cities to discuss their sporting characteristics and event support [1] - Huizhou successfully hosted various events, including taekwondo, roller skating, and skateboarding competitions [2] Group 2: Skateboarding Industry Insights - Huizhou athletes excelled in skateboarding, winning three gold medals and one bronze in the competitions [2] - The skateboarding industry in Huizhou is projected to grow rapidly, with an estimated market size of 10 billion yuan [2] - Huizhou is a major manufacturing hub for high-end skateboards, holding nearly 40% of the global premium skateboard market share [2]

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of Huizhou into a "Skateboard City," driven by the popularity of skateboarding as a new trend in China, particularly influenced by events like the Olympics and National Games [1][2] - Huizhou has a strong foundation for this development, with a long history of roller skating and a significant population engaged in skateboarding, alongside a dominant position in the global high-end skateboard manufacturing market [1][2][5] - The integration of manufacturing with cultural and sports events is seen as a model for urban transformation, showcasing Huizhou's ambition to evolve from a traditional industrial city to a vibrant cultural hub [1][4] Industry Development - Huizhou is home to approximately 20,000 skateboard participants and has a manufacturing share of 35% to 40% in the global high-end skateboard market [1][2] - The local company, Jiecheng Sports Equipment Co., has established itself as a key player in the industry, producing high-quality skateboards with strict quality control measures [2][6] - The city is actively promoting the development of skateboard parks and training programs, aiming to enhance the local sports culture and attract more participants [3][4] Economic Impact - The hosting of major events like the 15th National Games is expected to boost Huizhou's economy and enhance its reputation as a center for skateboarding [4][6] - Huizhou's GDP growth has outpaced other cities in Guangdong, reflecting its successful transition and economic vitality, with a reported GDP of 2910.06 billion yuan in the first half of the year, growing by 5.1% [5][6] - The city is also focusing on integrating sports with tourism and ecological development, creating a comprehensive model for urban growth [4][6] Future Prospects - Huizhou aims to leverage its status as a "Skateboard City" to attract more national and international events, further solidifying its position in the global skateboard market [4][7] - The city is positioned to benefit from the broader development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, enhancing its economic and cultural landscape [7][8]

Company Overview - J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of innovative carbon fiber and composite solutions, with applications in personal sports equipment, healthcare products, automobile parts, resin systems, and R&D services [1][6] - The company has over 50 years of experience in the material composites industry and operates through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa [6] Product Launch - J-Star has launched its first company-owned brand pickleball paddle, named Horizon, which has received official approval from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) for sanctioned play [1][3] - The Horizon paddle is designed for players of all levels, featuring lightweight Japanese carbon fiber, thermoformed foam walls for shock absorption, and a soft honeycomb core for control [3] Market Context - Pickleball is recognized as North America's fastest-growing sport, with 19.8 million Americans participating, reflecting a 46% increase from 2023 and a 311% growth over the past three years [4] - This marks the fourth consecutive year that pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport among 124 tracked sports, fitness, and outdoor activities [4] Strategic Importance - The launch of the Horizon paddle marks a significant milestone in J-Star's direct-to-consumer strategy, as it enters the pickleball market under its own brand for the first time [2][3] - The company aims to leverage its extensive experience in racquet manufacturing, having produced over 45 million racquets, to capture the growing demand in the pickleball segment [3]

Core Insights - J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. has launched its first company-owned brand pickleball paddle, Horizon, which has received official approval from the USA Pickleball Association for sanctioned play [1][3] - The launch of Horizon marks a significant milestone for J-Star's direct-to-consumer strategy, as it enters the pickleball market under its own brand for the first time [2] Product Details - The Horizon paddle is designed for players of all levels, featuring lightweight Japanese carbon fiber, thermoformed foam walls for shock absorption, and a soft honeycomb core for control [3] - The paddle's edgeless design maximizes the hitting area, and it is available in three color options: orange, pink, and yellow [3] Market Context - Pickleball is recognized as North America's fastest-growing sport, with 19.8 million Americans participating, reflecting a 46% increase from 2023 and a 311% growth over the past three years [4] - This growth trend has been consistent, marking the fourth consecutive year that pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport among 124 tracked activities [4] Company Background - J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. has over 50 years of experience in the material composites industry, developing and commercializing technology related to carbon reinforcement and resin systems [6] - The company operates through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa, focusing on a variety of high-performance carbon composite products [6]