Japan Press Weekly

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2024 October 23 - 29 TOP3 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Facilities and coaches are scarce in sports for the handicapped

About 40% of individuals with disabilities do not play sports even once a year. It is because a sufficient environment for sports for the disabled is not in place. There are few specially-trained instructors and few facilities where they can play sports without fear of sustaining injuries.

According to a survey conducted in 2021 by the Paralympians Association of Japan, one out of five athletes said that they have been refused access to sports facilities because of their disability.

Many wheelchair athletes complain that they are often refused the use of gymnasiums on the grounds that the floor would get scratched. One athlete said, “Even if I am allowed to use the facilities, I sometimes have to give up because the restrooms or changing rooms are not accessible for the handicapped.”

The survey also reveals that many athletes are struggling with the cost burdens of their sports. The average annual cost per person is 1.12 million yen, and 43.8% of them cited “the cost” as a problem in their athletic activities. It is essential for the government to provide support for their expenses and the cost for necessary tools and equipment.

The Japanese Communist Party has been calling for specific improvements and maintenance in sports facilities in order to ensure access to sports for all individuals with disabilities. It is the government responsibility to implement measures to make sports facilities barrier-free so that they can exert their right to enjoy sports and concentrate on training for competitions.