Accelerating Collaboration Between Sports Organizations and Businesses: Launch of TEAM BEYOND Para Connect

In an innovative step towards promoting parasports and enhancing the sports environment for individuals with disabilities, ICHI COMMONS Co., Ltd., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has launched an online matching platform called TEAM BEYOND Para Connect. This platform aims to facilitate collaboration between sports organizations and businesses, supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The initiative arises from the recognition that, while the promotion of parasports can advance the realization of an inclusive society, there remain significant gaps in the support available for athletes and teams. Many parasports organizations struggle with a lack of sponsorship, human resources, and facilities for practice. Therefore, the Tokyo government has previously organized annual face-to-face networking events to encourage partnerships. However, with the rise of interest in parasports propelled by the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, there is a strong impetus to expand this network further through digital platforms.

Overview of TEAM BEYOND Para Connect

The platform will continue to accept applications from sports organizations and businesses throughout the year. Registered coordinators will provide tailored support to facilitate smoother collaboration. This meeting of mutual interests will allow for enhanced communication and partnership development.

Features of TEAM BEYOND Para Connect

The platform's main feature is its ability to visualize the needs of sports organizations alongside the assets businesses can offer, such as knowledge or resources. This visibility aims to foster ongoing and meaningful matchmaking. All registered users will have free access to utilize the platform, which also includes a specialized site under the broader SustenaNet initiative designed to identify synergies and facilitate effective partnerships.

Aiding Market Connections

For organizations unsure about how to begin collaborating, TEAM BEYOND Para Connect offers coordinated assistance tailored to specific needs. The coordinator will help clarify challenges, needs, and available assets, facilitating negotiations that lead to solid agreements.

The expected outcomes of these partnerships include securing sponsors and suppliers, increasing volunteer personnel and operational staff for sports organizations, enhancing sporting equipment development, and finding adequate practice venues. Both stakeholders stand to gain significantly from these collaborations, which not only address the operational challenges facing parasports organizations but also enhance employee engagement within businesses.

Initial Matching Examples

Prior to launching the platform, ICHI COMMONS successfully engaged in preliminary partnerships, such as the collaboration between Open House Group, a registered corporate participant in the TEAM BEYOND project, and QD Laser, an innovative tech firm. Open House implemented a project called