Opening Doors to Future Para-Sports Athletes

The next-generation para-athlete talent discovery program provides opportunities for people with disabilities who wish to take up competitive sports to find disciplines suited to their abilities. Through a combination of fitness testing and hands-on sport experiences, participants can better understand their strengths while exploring a wide range of para-sports.

Fitness testing and sports trial sessions will take place in September and December, while a sports prosthetic and wheelchair trial session will be held in November. At the fitness testing session, participants undergo assessments such as a 20-meter dash and grip-strength tests. During sports trial sessions, they can experience from among 30 or so different disciplines. The trial session for sports prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other competitive equipment offers practical support from specialists, including prosthetists and orthotists, who provide individualized guidance and prepare equipment tailored to each participant’s condition.

The program is open to individuals who meet four conditions: a willingness to pursue competitive sports on a continuing basis; residence, study, or employment in Tokyo; approximately 10 to 45 years of age; and having a physical, visual, intellectual, or hearing disability. The sports prosthetic and wheelchair trial session is available to those aged roughly 10 or older with a lower-limb disability.

The initiative accommodates a wide range of participants, from beginners to those aiming for higher levels of competition. Some past participants have gone on to compete in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Marking five years since the Tokyo 2020 Games, Tokyo continues to build on the legacy by expanding access to para sports and supporting individuals in pursuing their aspirations, contributing to a more inclusive society.

Program website (in Japanese):

Related article: Celebrating 5 Years Since the Tokyo 2020 Games! -TMG