KAI Challenge Athletes Team Hosts Para Sports Experience Event

The KAI Challenge Athletes Team, a part of KAI Realty Co., Ltd., hosted a Para sports experience event at Hanazono Agricultural Training Center on July 12, 2025. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with Shochi Fukaya High School, where ten students participated alongside top athletes from the KAI Challenge team.

Purpose of the Event

The main objective of this experience day was to raise awareness about the Paralympics and Deaflympics among students, as well as to enhance their understanding of disabilities. By engaging directly with disabled athletes, students had the opportunity to explore the fascinating nature of Para sports, gaining firsthand knowledge and appreciation.

Activities Conducted

The activities conducted during the event included wheelchair basketball and wheelchair badminton. This marks the fifth time this event has been hosted at Shochi Fukaya High School, signifying the ongoing commitment to fostering relationships through sports.

Experience 1: Wheelchair Basketball

The day began with an introduction to the differences between standard wheelchairs and sports wheelchairs, clarifying the rules of wheelchair basketball compared to standard basketball. Participants were given the chance to try out the sports wheelchairs, practice dribbling, shooting, and even participate in a team match. Initially, many students found it challenging to maneuver the sports chairs, but as they became familiar with the equipment, some exhibited impressive skills that even surprised their instructors.

Experience 2: Wheelchair Badminton

In wheelchair badminton, participants discovered that playing from a seated position presented different challenges compared to conventional badminton, particularly in terms of racket positioning and shuttlecock dynamics. Although initial attempts were somewhat difficult, students quickly adapted and began to enjoy their gameplay, showcasing their growing confidence and enjoyment.

Athlete Commentary

Takahiro Tachibana, a member of the KAI Challenge Athletes Team, expressed his delight in hosting the event for the fifth consecutive year. He appreciated the opportunity to connect with the faculty and emphasized that the smaller group allowed for more in-depth skill development in wheelchair basketball. He also noted that while students faced challenges with wheelchair handling during badminton, the overall spirit was uplifting and filled with smiles, marking a successful experience.

Future Plans

The KAI Challenge Athletes Team aims to continue its mission of promoting Para sports and enhancing understanding of disabilities. Future events and workshops will expand outreach efforts to collaborate with local communities in spreading awareness and participation.

About KAI Challenge Athletes Team

Founded in April 2019, the KAI Challenge Athletes Team is dedicated to supporting and inspiring athletes to overcome obstacles and strive for greatness. Currently, the team consists of nine members who excel in various disciplines, including Deaf Football, Deaf Soccer, Judo for the Hearing Impaired, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Badminton. These athletes engage in high-level training while also leading workshops and contributing to product development. Their outreach includes collaborations with educational institutions and community organizations, through which over 4,000 individuals have experienced Para sports to date.

About KAI Realty Group

KAI Realty Group's mission is to create a rich, enjoyable, and comfortable living environment. With a vision of providing homeownership for everyone, the company offers high-quality yet affordable design housing. Through innovative business models and seamless operations, KAI Realty continues to expand its market share across Japan.

For more information, visit KAI Realty's official website.