A New Chapter in International Exchange through Sports
In an exciting development for promoting diversity and international understanding through sports,
GlobalTree in collaboration with
S.C.P. Japan and
Tsukuba University, recently announced the launch of the second season of the
International Exchange Program through Sports. Scheduled for three days—September 20, October 11, and November 22, 2025—the joint initiative aims to reach more children and extend educational opportunities across Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Chiba prefectures.
Overview of the Program
The
International Exchange Program first initiated in 2024 has gained momentum, presenting an educational avenue where children can learn about diversity through active participation in sports alongside international students. Participants will engage in various sports activities, breaking barriers created by differences in race, skin color, and religion, while fostering mutual understanding and acceptance of diversity.
The program for 2025 introduces new content focusing on various cultural games and pastimes from different countries. This interactive approach allows children to introduce and share traditional Japanese games, further enhancing bilateral communication and understanding among participants.
Goals of the Program
1.
Fostering Inclusive Societies: The primary aim is to nurture individuals who can engage in active and respectful dialogue with others, promoting an inclusive environment.
2.
Empowering Children with Disabilities: The program aims to offer diverse and inclusive experiences for children with disabilities, thereby enhancing their personal growth and social integration.
3.
Expanding Perspectives: By fostering international exchanges, the program seeks to create opportunities for participants to broaden their horizons and appreciate different cultural paradigms and viewpoints.
Objectives of Learning
- - Knowledge and Skills: Understanding that communication can transcend language, embracing various forms of non-verbal interactions.
- - Critical Thinking and Expression: Developing the ability to convey one’s thoughts as well as those of peers through diverse communication methods.
- - Empathetic Engagement: Cultivating the skill of recognizing and affirming the feelings and thoughts of others, promoting collective efforts.
Project Core Team
The core team behind this initiative includes diverse experts with a shared vision:
- - S.C.P. Japan aims to create a future where every individual can pursue their unique paths. Their mission encompasses empowering communities through sports and fostering new cultural paradigms.
- - Yukiko Inoue, the Executive Director and a former professional soccer player, brings her experience from global cooperation projects to ensure children’s rights and inclusive sports environments.
- - Yuki Hanamura, Project Manager, applies her background in education to support the motive of inclusive educational practices.
- - Saaya Hashimoto, Assistant Manager, focuses on gender and disability issues, promoting an inclusive environment.
- - Jean, a Brazilian physical education teacher, conducts research at Tsukuba University related to immigrant families and children with disabilities.
- - Asana, from Ghana, works on the impact of recreational activities on social inclusion for women with disabilities.
Reflections from Last Year
Last year's programming introduced engaging sports such as soccer, dodgeball, and frisbee, concluding with children using a 'Emotion Box' to express their feelings in creative ways. With this year’s expansion from three locations to five, the program aims to reach a larger audience of children, providing more enriching experiences.
New Initiatives for 2025
Looking ahead, the 2025 program plans to:
- - Incorporate Cultural Elements: Introduce activities that reflect cultural games from various countries in addition to sports, fostering engagement and shared learning.
- - Facilitate Mutual Exchange: Encourage children to present traditional Japanese games, strengthening two-way interactions.
- - Promote non-Verbal Communication: Innovate teaching methods to emphasize learning that transcends spoken language, building respect for differences.
About GlobalTree
GlobalTree serves as a rehabilitation facility catering to children with developmental concerns, providing supportive environments focused on educational and life skill improvement. They offer diverse programs tailored to children's learning needs, nurturing growth through varied recreational activities. The vision encompasses holistic support across all age groups, from early childhood to seniors, ensuring that all individuals can thrive in inclusive environments.
As we embark on this journey toward fostering inclusivity and understanding through sports, we invite communities to participate and further our shared mission. For more information, visit
GlobalTree's official website.
For inquiries, please contact:
Happy Life Care Co., Ltd.
Email:
[email protected]