The local Government of Osaka prefecture has sent out a letter of gratitude to the Japan Racing Association (JRA) for donating JPY200m ($1.9m) to help battle COVID-19. The funds are meant to support medical personnel and related workers who are helping Osaka deal with the pandemic. JRA also donated JPY500m ($4.7m) to the Japan Student Services Organization and plans to donate a total of JPY5bn ($47.4m) to help against COVID-19.

The donation money comes from sales from the Takarazuka Kinen Race.

According to Inside Asian Gaming, Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura expressed his gratitude for the generous donation. He also noted it was only made possible because of horse racing fans hosted by the Association. He was also optimistic about the future, saying, “We must defeat COVID-19 and continue with social activities. I hope to take positive action and get back to the normal, lively Osaka.” JRA Director Sadao Yokota expressed similar thoughts by saying JRA exists within society and should contribute to its well-being.

And this is not the first time JRA donated to help with the relief efforts. The Association previously helped with the Southern Hyogo prefecture earthquake and donated JPY5.9bn ($55.9m). The Association also donated JPY5.4bn ($51.2m) for the Tohoku earthquake.