Cheers Echoing Through Elementary Schools "Disabled Athletes Exchange Caravan"
On April 20 and 21, the Japan Disabled Sports Association held its "Disabled Athlete Exchange Caravan" (in cooperation with Shibuya Ward, the Shibuya Ward Board of Education, and the Japan Wheelchair Basketball Federation) at a municipal elementary school in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
The association has long conducted this caravan at elementary schools nationwide, offering children opportunities to experience various disability sports firsthand. The goal is to let them feel the appeal of disability sports and promote barrier-free attitudes.
This event was also held as a support project for the upcoming "44th Japan Wheelchair Basketball Championship," scheduled for May 3-5 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Shibuya Ward, aiming to encourage attendance at the championship. On the 20th, former Sydney Paralympic wheelchair basketball Japan national team captain Mr. Shinji Negi and four players from the wheelchair basketball team NO EXCUSE visited Hatomori Elementary School.
Addressing approximately 100 students, Mr. Negi stated, "Today, I came to become friends with everyone through wheelchair basketball. I want you to experience both the difficulty and the fun of the sport." He also explained the differences between everyday wheelchairs and competition wheelchairs, prioritizing the children's observations, and captivated their interest with his lively talk.
As the mini-games featuring the athletes began, the gymnasium filled with the children's cheers. As the event progressed from the sixth-graders' trial games to the teacher-selected showdown, the children grew even more excited, turning it into a full-fledged cheering competition. Even during breaks, the children surrounded Mr. Negi and the athletes, chatting with them, running alongside their wheelchairs, and enjoying the interaction. It seemed as though the barrier-free connection in their hearts had already been achieved.
In the wheelchair relay involving the entire student body, everyone crossed the finish line despite struggling with the wheelchairs.
Finally, the athletes commented, "We were surprised and delighted by the loud cheers," and "Everyone's teamwork was wonderful," concluding with, "Please come cheer at the tournament with your family and friends."
Children shared their impressions: "The events were harder than I thought, but fun," "I learned there are people who support athletes," and "I learned there are sports that people with disabilities can enjoy too."
On the 21st, a similar event was held at Yoyogi Yamaya Elementary School.
Event Information:
http://www.jwbf.gr.jp/championship_man/info/game/44.php
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
