The 28th All Japan Disabled Cross-Country Skiing Championship: A Celebration of Inclusion

On February 7th and 8th, 2026, the breathtaking Hakuba Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Nagano, Japan, will host the 28th All Japan Disabled Cross-Country Skiing Championship. This prestigious event, proudly sponsored by the Japan Co-op Union, Co-op Mutual Aid Union, Co-op Nagano, and Toyama Co-op, is a beacon of hope and unity in the sporting world.

An Event Like No Other

The All Japan Disabled Cross-Country Skiing Championship is not just any competition; it is a historic gathering of athletes with physical, intellectual, auditory, and visual disabilities from across the nation. Athletes, including notable figures such as Daiki Kawaboe, a gold medalist from the Beijing Paralympics, and seasoned veteran Yoshihiro Nitta, are expected to make appearances, showcasing their extraordinary skills and determination.

This championship is uniquely positioned as the sole event within Japan for the 2025/26 season, offering a competitive platform where athletes can demonstrate their talents and, more importantly, foster a sense of community. The inclusivity embodied in this event promotes a vision of a “cohabitative society” where everyone supports one another regardless of their abilities.

Supporting Disabled Athletes

The Co-op faction is committed to raising awareness about the importance of supporting disabled athletes, aiming to broaden the support network ahead of the competition. In previous initiatives, the Co-op has contributed by providing products to the para-nordic skiing team during overseas competitions and donating to junior teams through their supporter cookie series. This time, they will amplify their presence by featuring logos on competitive bibs and displaying supportive flags at the venue.

Event Schedule

Day 1: February 7, 2026

- Sprint & Classical (1.25 Km)

- 10:30 AM: Competition Begins
- 1:00 PM: Award Ceremony

Day 2: February 8, 2026

- 10 Km Classical (Categorized)
- 5 Km Classical Challenge

- 10:30 AM: Competition Begins
- 12:30 PM: Award Ceremony

Venue

- Hakuba Cross-Country Skiing Stadium (Snow Harp)

Event Organizers

The championship is co-organized by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the Japan Disabled Ski Federation (JPS), with sponsorship support from the Japan Co-op Union, Co-op Mutual Aid Union, Co-op Nagano, Toyama Co-op, and other organizations dedicated to promoting sports and inclusivity.

This year's All Japan Disabled Cross-Country Skiing Championship is not just an athletic competition; it embodies the spirit of togetherness and the relentless pursuit of excellence among athletes with disabilities. It stands as a testament to the power of sports to unite and empower, embodying the very essence of a supportive community.

Together, let’s cheer for these incredible athletes as they demonstrate resilience, talent, and the unwavering human spirit!