#Japan #Kobe #Frescobol #JFBA #FEFERJ

Establishing the First International Frescobol Organization

On October 4-5, 2025, Japan will host the JBG® Suma Frescobol World Cup, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first global Frescobol championship ever held in the country. This event coincides with the 80th anniversary of the sport's origin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil. The Japan Frescoball Association (JFBA), under the leadership of its representative Kenji Kuboshima, has officially announced a fundamental agreement with the Rio de Janeiro Frescobol Federation (FEFERJ) to create the first-ever international organization for Frescobol, named UAFI (União das Associações de Frescobol Internacional).

A Unique Sport of Collaboration

Frescobol, often referred to as a “Communication Design Sport,” originates from Brazil and is known for its emphasis on collaboration over competition. Unlike many sports that pit players against one another, Frescobol encourages players to work together to maintain their rallies and score points. This core aspect is why it is widely celebrated as an “empathy sport.” However, until now, the absence of an international organization has led to varying rules across countries, preventing a unified global community.

The Importance of a Unified Organizing Body

The upcoming World Cup aims to tackle these challenges by bringing together athletes from various nations, including Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Israel, South Korea, and the United States, among others. This international gathering reflects a shared commitment to the spirit of Frescobol, emphasizing collaboration, enjoyment, and mutual respect. Notably, leaders from FEFERJ and top athletes from Brazil will be present to strengthen ties and share expertise.

Following the tournament, a high-level summit between JFBA and FEFERJ resulted in several key agreements, which include efforts to unify the sport's rules, annual Brazilian championships in the first week of December, and hosting the World Cup every two years in Japan. Such agreements mark a critical step toward establishing a robust international framework for promoting Frescobol globally.

Plans for the Future

The newly formed international organization will also see the establishment of headquarters in both Brazil and Japan, allowing for greater cooperation in organizing tournaments and facilitating sponsorship opportunities. This collaborative effort underscores a forward-thinking approach to growing the sport, reaching a broader audience, and fostering new talent in the global Frescobol community.

The timing of these initiatives is particularly poignant. With the Venus flag flagging the Brazillian colors to represent the origins of the sport, the design symbolizes the unity of the world through Frescobol, hoping to inspire a new generation of players drawn to the distinctively collaborative nature of this beach sport.

The JFBA's commitment to promoting Frescobol as a sport that bridges cultural divides aligns with the growing trend of sports emphasizing teamwork and empathy in an often competitive world. With the upcoming events and the international organization, the future of Frescobol looks brighter and more inclusive than ever.

Everyone involved envisions that this pivotal development will catalyze the sport’s growth worldwide, ultimately making Frescobol a cherished game crossing borders, languages, and communities.