JPF Opens Sanyo Auto Racecourse for Inclusive Sports Events in 2026

Opening the Sanyo Auto Racecourse for All

In a remarkable initiative to foster inclusivity in sports, JPF Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to open its Sanyo Auto Racecourse for the Special Olympics Bike Program training session on August 9, 2026. This event is organized in collaboration with the Special Olympics Japan Yamaguchi, highlighting JPF's commitment to community engagement through sports.

This unique opportunity will allow a group of seven athletes with intellectual disabilities to practice on the specially designated racecourse, free from vehicular traffic. The safety and smooth surface of the auto racecourse provide an ideal environment for the athletes, who are gearing up for upcoming cycling competitions.

A Unique Training Environment

The racecourse, which is typically off-limits to regular bicycles, offers a spacious and flat surface conducive for training. Athletes will cycle at their own pace, benefiting from the expansive area that eliminates concerns over potential interruptions from vehicles. After the practice session, participants expressed their joy, sharing sentiments such as, “It’s fun to pedal as hard as we can together,” “The training routines are tough, but I’m happy to practice with everyone,” and “Riding on the wide course was exhilarating.”

The course's features, especially the gentle banking compared to traditional velodromes, make it particularly suitable for cycling. The event leader emphasized the importance of having a safe place for the athletes to practice, stating, “Training in a safe, flat area allows many children to improve their skills. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to train at this location, as places like this are rare.” These sentiments underscore the significant effect of community support in providing such valuable resources for athletes.

Building Sports Communities

JPF Corporation aims to connect people through public sports events, fostering new energy in the community. The auto racecourse serves as more than just a venue for racing; it can transform into a center for promoting sports, supporting child-rearing, and enhancing health. This event is an innovative step in integrating the auto racecourse's features with local sports activities, establishing new connections between the facility and the community.

As they move forward, JPF plans to collaborate with various organizations to support new learning opportunities and challenges for children, ensuring that the public racecourse remains a hub for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Event Details

- Event Name: Special Olympics Bike Program Training Session
- Date: August 9, 2026 (Sunday), from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Location: Sanyo Auto Racecourse, 700 Haibu Akamatsu, Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Organizer: Special Olympics Japan Yamaguchi
- Support: JPF Corporation

About JPF Corporation

Founded in 1950, JPF Corporation invented slit cameras for judging the finish order in public sports like keirin and boat races. Since then, it has supported numerous public race facilities across Japan. In 2010, JPF expanded its scope by launching a total management business for public race venues, providing operational support nationwide. Guided by the philosophy of offering opportunities for personal growth, JPF promotes diverse initiatives in community revitalization and cycling sports development.

About the Sanyo Auto Racecourse

The Sanyo Auto Racecourse has been serving the community in Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture since its establishment in 1965. With a 500-meter oval track, it hosts both daytime and nighttime races, fostering a strong local following for more than half a century.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international sports organization providing various sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a non-profit, it operates through volunteer efforts and charitable donations, empowering its participants, referred to as athletes, to engage in sports year-round. The local organization, Special Olympics Japan Yamaguchi, implements various sports programs, including cycling, within the region.