November 1, 2008: Visit: Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled
Training Report - Leadership Development Course 2008
It was a clear autumn day. The participants visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled. Chairperson of Planning Committee and his friend who is a regular user of this center accompanied us all day today.
In the morning, the overview of the sports center was explained to the participants by Deputy-director of Sports Support Division. He has been working for the center more than 20 years since its establishment. He then introduced them various sports devices with which persons with even severe disabilities can enjoy sports safely. Some of those devices are very expensive to buy, however He said that it could be made by hands by utilizing local materials which has similar characteristics. For instance, you may be able to substitute balls with metal inside for the sound table tennis with round-shaped plants' seeds which make noise when you shake.
Then the participants went on a tour to observe all the facilities; gymnasium, swimming pool, table tennis and sound table tennis, sports field, tennis court etc. The center also has barrier-free accommodation for persons with disabilities and the participants got excited to see Japanese Style rooms with Tatami mattress.
In the afternoon, the participants could choose sports that they want to try ! They were divided into three groups and experienced sound-table-tennis, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair badminton. At least one trainer was assigned to each facility and the participants could get instructions on the sports and enjoy it fully and safely despite all of them did not have previous experience.
He concluded today's program by saying “The main aim of the center is to contribute to the realization of the principle of normalization through the promotion of sports and we have strived to promote the sports activities which persons with disabilities, persons without disabilities, and local residents are able to enjoy together.” The participants could deepen their understanding of the positive influence that the sports have on physical and mental aspects of persons with disabilities and also its important roles to promote more inclusive society.
