【Project Activities】

Inviting Cambodian runners with disabilities to participate in the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, held annually in December.

【Project Background】

Yuko Arimori, Representative of our organization, was involved in the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon established in 1996. To create opportunities for people with disabilities to step out into society with courage and hope, quotas for participants with disabilities were established to encourage their participation. Following the transfer of the event’s operations to the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia in 2013, we have continued to dispatch athletes with disabilities to the competition as part of our parasports support program.

【Project Objective】

Promoting social participation of people with disabilities.

【Project Area】

Parasports

【Methods】

Dispatch and invitation of athletes

【Outcomes】

Since the dispatch program began in 2001, a total of 1,307 individuals with disabilities have participated in the event. Participating in the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon has served as a catalyst for many individuals who were previously isolated to continuously engage in sports and step out into society. Furthermore, some individuals have flourished as para-athletes and even competed in the Paralympic Games.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“There were times when I thought about ending my life. I was looked down upon because of my disability and couldn’t make friends. However, thanks to Heart of Gold, I was able to participate in a marathon. There, I met peers with similar disabilities, found joy in continuing to play sports, and gained self-confidence.” — Vet Chantha, an amputee runner

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Most of the individuals with disabilities we have supported so far have become athletes affiliated with the Paralympic Committee, successfully achieving active social participation. Moving forward, we aim to establish a system that accommodates even more participants, enabling everyday individuals with disabilities to step out into society through sports.

【URL】

2022年https://www.facebook.com/share/p/e3FF3i1vc8UY3xrd/
2023年https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yVaGjACjGfAtoLRQ/