【Project Activities】

We established an Asian Committee by inviting members from various Asian countries involved in addressing mental health issues through soccer. We also held a symposium with the aim of sharing the current situations in each country and promoting understanding of people with mental disabilities by collaborating to advance the spread of soccer for people with mental disabilities in each nation.

【Project Background】

Exchanges with Taiwan began in 2018 when Japan attended a symposium on sports for people with disabilities in Taiwan, and a Taiwanese team visited Japan to observe the national championships. At that time, we began considering the possibility of hosting an Asian tournament. With the support of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) secured through the Japan Football Association, plans to host the tournament were finalized, and efforts to establish an organizational framework across the Asian region were initiated simultaneously.

【Project Objective】

To exchange information within the Asian region and build networks and organizations for the development of sports for people with mental disabilities.

【Project Area】

Social integration through sports (based on the strengthening and protection of human rights)

【Methods】

Hosting seminars and forums

【Outcomes】

An Asian Committee was established, and a joint declaration was adopted in which participating countries pledged to collaborate on promoting football for people with mental disabilities.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

Mental health challenges are significant worldwide, and medical treatment is expensive and insufficient. There is a need to identify psychosocial resources, and the value of soccer and sports is crucial (participating medical professional).

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Mental health challenges are significant worldwide, and medical treatment is expensive and insufficient. There is a need to identify psychosocial resources, and the value of soccer and sports is crucial (participating medical professional).

【URL】