#Japan #Tokyo #Para Sports #Asu-Challe School #Masaharu Ishihara

A New Chapter for Asu-Challe School

Asu-Challe School, the pioneering inclusive sports program initiated by the Japan Foundation Para Sports Support Center, marks its tenth anniversary this year. Launched in April 2016, this program offers primary, middle, high, and special needs schools across Japan an interactive experience with para sports. As part of this milestone, the school introduces a new instructor, Masaharu Ishihara, who will lead the wheelchair basketball program nationwide.

About the New Instructor: Masaharu Ishihara

Ishihara, a notable figure in the world of para sports, has a compelling story. At the age of 17, he became a wheelchair user due to a motorcycle accident. Despite this life-changing event, his passion for basketball never diminished. He competed at a high level throughout his school years, which led him to wheelchair basketball during his rehabilitation. His determination culminated in representing Japan at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. Afterward, he transitioned to para powerlifting in 2016, where he currently holds the Japanese record in the 88kg Legend class with a lift of 152kg.

In the context of his new role, Ishihara shares: "By conveying the mindset and methods that helped me realize my dreams and goals as an athlete, I hope to encourage children to embrace challenges without fear of failure on their journey to achieving their own dreams."

The Asu-Challe School Program

The Asu-Challe School program is designed to foster understanding and appreciation for inclusivity and diversity within society. This hands-on program features demonstrations of para sports, allowing students to engage directly with para athletes, and promotes awareness through talks and discussions on building a coexistence-focused society.

Since its inception, the program has significantly impacted over 290,000 students by providing opportunities to learn from an array of expert para sports instructors. As it stands today, the program has conducted 2,607 sessions and aims to increase these numbers by March 2025.

A Legacy of Support and Outreach

The Asu-Challe School relies on the cooperation of several supporting companies, including JTB, ASICS, NEC Corporation, Japan Airlines, and Chugai Pharmaceutical Company, to facilitate nationwide activities as they celebrate a decade of commitment to inclusive education.

The Japan Foundation Para Sports Support Center, nicknamed Para-Sapo, champions the slogan "SOCIAL CHANGE with SPORTS." It aims to create a society where everyone's differences are acknowledged and embraced, promoting the idea that sports can catalyze social change.

Since its establishment in May 2015, Para-Sapo has sought to fortify the operational frameworks of para sports organizations while aiding in the professional development of para athletes. Additionally, they have established platforms for practice and training, including the Japanese Foundation Para Arena, which accommodates over 68,000 para athletes to date.

In April 2024, a new program named "Para Sapo! Inclusive Sports Day" will be introduced, further emphasizing inclusive education by integrating inclusive activities into school sports days, thereby instilling the values of inclusivity among teachers and students alike.

As this dedicated team celebrates ten fruitful years in promoting para sports education through Asu-Challe School, they look forward to continuing to nurture athletes, inspire students, and further their mission to create a society where everyone can thrive. The journey does not end here; it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.