【Summary】
A legacy agreement was signed with the Irish Paralympic Committee as part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ legacy. The week from August 18, the anniversary of Ireland x Narita City, to August 24, Japan Paralympic Day, was designated as ‘SYMBIOTIC SOCIETY WEEK’, during which various events took place.

【Project Objective】
“PARA Beats!” is a collaboration between Narita City and Ireland. It aims to support para-athletes and break down barriers in the world to achieve a symbiotic society.

【Activities/projects】

▶ Day 0 (Pre-event): Lecture by Keiichi Kimura, Tokyo 2020 Para swimming gold medalist

Date: Thursday, August 4, 2022
Content: Lecture by Keiichi Kimura, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medalist in swimming, as a pre-event before the opening of the Symbiotic Society Week.

▶ Day 1 (opening); Opening ceremony, opening declaration

Date: Thursday, August 18, 2022
Content: The opening ceremony was held, and the commencement of the Symbiotic Society Week was announced with para-sport athletes residing in the city. 

▶ Day 2 (Prologue Concert); Fureai Concert (PARA Beats! by a jazz band, etc.)

Date: Friday, August 19, 2022
Content: Jazz band HIGH NOTES JAZZ ORCHESTRA performed at the Fureai Concert.

▶ Day 3 (main event); PARA Beats! Legacy Festival

Date: Saturday, August 20, 2022
Content: Parasport experience, music stage, panel discussion, etc.
〇 Visitors could try a variety of sports at the para-sports experience booth, including Boccia, Flying Disc, Wheelchair Basketball, Para Powerlifting, and Pegarball.
〇 The exhibition area showcased the achievements of Irish-related and city initiatives.
〇 In the panel discussion, experts were invited to engage in a lively debate to promote a symbiotic society.

▶ Day 4-7 (sub-event); Exhibition on the promotion of a symbiotic society

Date: Sunday, August 21 – Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Content: Panels introducing para-sports and a video message from Para-swimming gold medalist Keiichi Kimura were on display.

【Outcome】

〇 By setting up a para-sports experience and goods sales area, the event was able to involve more stakeholders, including sports organisations, schools, and social welfare organisations in the prefecture.
〇 Many children and youth were provided with opportunities to learn about the importance of a symbiotic society

【URL】
https://www-city-narita-chiba-jp.translate.goog/bunka_sports/page312800_00020.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

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