Shingo Katori's NFT Charity Project Fuels First IPC Athlete Internship

In a remarkable collaboration between sports and artistry, the Shingo Katori NFT Art Charity Project has successfully funded the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) inaugural Athlete Internship Program. Launched on July 7, the program is made possible through 100,000 euros of donations generated by Katori's charity initiative. The aim of the internship is to support the transition of paralympians to professional careers while fostering the growth of the Paralympic movement.

This twelve-month paid internship offers two selected paralympians the chance to gain practical experience within key divisions of the IPC. The initiative is designed to cultivate talent who can contribute meaningfully to the future of the Paralympic movement. Interns Cassie Cava (Ireland, competing in Triathlon at the Paris 2024 Games) will work with the Games Operations team, while Maja Theuma (Malta, competing in Swimming at Paris 2024) will join the Brand, Content, and Communications team, respectively.

During the launch, Yasushi Yamawaki, president of the Japan Foundation's Para Sports Support Center, reflected on the profound impact of Katori’s initiative. He mentioned that after the excitement of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Katori was motivated to ensure that the event's inspiration didn't fade. This led to the creation of the NFT charity project that saw 10,000 limited edition NFTs sell out in a single day. The tremendous support from Katori and the participating 10,000 individuals has opened a new avenue for programs that reflect the voices of para-athletes, providing them with the opportunities they deserve.

IPC CEO Dr. Mike Peters, who has participated in two Paralympics, expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming Cassie and Maja to the IPC campus in Bonn for a year-long internship. He also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Katori for making this long-cherished dream come true. Peters emphasized that assisting athletes in their journey—both in sports and as leaders in the Paralympic movement—is central to the IPC's mission.

Both interns shared their excitement about this unique opportunity. Cassie Cava expressed her gratitude for the chance to learn from IPC leaders in their mission to create a more inclusive and accessible world through sports. She noted, “The Paralympic movement has completely changed my life, and I look forward to using my experience to create a better environment for the next generation of para-athletes.”

Maja Theuma also shared her enthusiasm, stating that securing an internship within the IPC’s Brand and Communications team aligns perfectly with her passions for sports and marketing. Her journey began two years prior when she represented Malta at the IPC Athlete Forum in South Korea, where she had discussions about athlete representation and leadership pathways.

The Shingo Katori NFT Charity Project was implemented as a full donation initiative to support para sports. Katori, who served as a special ambassador for the IPC, made the project feasible by donating proceeds from the limited-edition NFTs. The initiative has seen significant financial contributions, with €90,000 directed to the IPC to support their commitment to the Athlete Internship Program.

The program aims to help para-athletes transition from competitive sports to professional fields by providing valuable business insights and know-how. The funding will be available for a year, starting from July 7, 2023.

On August 23, 2022, Katori, along with IPC President Andrew Parsons, CEO Mike Peters, and former Paralympic athletes, participated in a donation ceremony held at the Japan Foundation’s office in Akasaka, Tokyo.

This noteworthy initiative showcases how creativity and community support can significantly impact the professional journey of paralympians, furthering the reach of the Paralympic movement into new territories. With the combined efforts of generous contributors, IPC aims to foster a brighter and more inclusive future for all aspiring para-athletes.