【Project Activities】

Taking advantage of the international Para Nordic Skiing competition (with 5 participating countries) held in Sapporo City for the first time in two years, an exchange program between athletes and citizens was conducted. As with the previous competition, invited Ukrainian athletes interacted with citizens at children’s centers and event venues alongside Japanese athletes. During the competition period, children from children’s centers rushed to the venue to support the participating athletes by waving national flags.

【Project Background】

Sapporo City provided subsidies for the hosting of this competition. As top athletes from five countries would be visiting Sapporo, the organizers were requested to implement a citizen exchange program utilizing the competition as an opportunity.

【Project Objective】

The project was implemented with the belief that it would significantly contribute to enhancing Sapporo citizens’ interest in sports and realizing an inclusive society in Sapporo through interaction with para-athletes.

【Project Area】

Promotion of sports

【Methods】

Event/Competition Support

【Outcomes】

Japanese and Ukrainian athletes visited and interacted with one children’s center in the city, and children from seven children’s centers attended the competition. Additionally, Japanese and Ukrainian athletes also appeared at the “Challenge! Sports Park” held concurrently at the Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome), interacting with visitors at sit-ski and biathlon experience booths.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

The visit to the children’s center involved game-based exchanges where athletes and children participated together, rather than just listening to talks from athletes. Participants expressed that it was fun to play with athletes, including those from overseas. There were instances where athletes and children discussed their hobbies, and athletes conveyed the importance of effort, saying, “I won a gold medal by consistently practicing.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

If the competition dates are immediately after the New Year, there is a risk that adjustments among stakeholders immediately before the event may not be sufficient.

【URL】

https://coopkyosai.coop/release/2024/pdf/ns_241213_01.pdf