【Project Activities】

Building on the legacy agreement with the Irish Paralympic Committee after Tokyo 2020, Narita City has designated August 18 as a day to recall the friendship and reaffirm its commitment to an inclusive society. The city positions the week from August 18 to August 24 as “Inclusive Society Week,” implementing initiatives such as para sports experience events and panel exhibitions. In addition, the theme song “PARA Beats!”—co-composed for the Ireland–Japan inclusive society support project by renowned taiko drummer Hiroyuki Hayashida and Irish bouzouki player Donal Lunny—has been used as the city’s theme song for inclusive society promotion. In FY2023, new lyrics and arrangement were created and “PARA Beats!—Let’s Take Flight! Toward the Me I Want to Become—” was produced to increase familiarity among citizens.

【Project Background】

On November 20, 2021, Narita City signed a legacy agreement with the Irish Paralympic Committee, designating August 18 as a day to recall the friendship and re-confirm its commitment to an inclusive society. At the signing event, the Chair of the Japan Paralympic Committee suggested that, since there were plans to designate August 24 as Japan Paralympic Day, Narita should make August 18–24 an “Inclusive Society Week.” This proposal led to the initiative.

【Project Objective】

Regardless of age, gender, nationality, or disability status, enable everyone to enjoy sport throughout life and realize an inclusive society through sport.

【Project Area】

・Promotion of para-sports
・Promoting an inclusive society through sports

【Methods】

・Panel exhibition on para-sports
・Para-sports trial events, etc.

【Outcomes】

Narita City’s unique approach was recognized, and in March this year it received the Sports Agency Commissioner’s Award—reportedly the first such award in Japan for a single municipality. These efforts are also believed to be fostering citizens’ awareness of an inclusive society.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

Participants said that their understanding of an inclusive society deepened through experiences such as trying para sports. Others noted the need to strengthen publicity to make the initiative better known.

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Because awareness of para sports remains low, we will continue promoting para sports through experience sessions and related initiatives.

【URL】

HP　https://www.city.narita.chiba.jp/bunka_sports/ksw-sports-narita_report.html