Kotomi Shiota: Keeping the Paralympic Flame Burning

2021/12/25

Did you watch the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games? Even under the spread of COVID-19, it was a tournament where various opinions and thoughts intersected regarding its holding. As an individual who has worked to promote sports activities for people with disabilities, it was a happy moment to see the success of athletes and colleagues I have worked with both on and off the field, including the opening and closing ceremonies.

On the other hand, what I am currently focusing on is the promotion of sports activities not only for such athletes but also for those who have few opportunities to participate in sports, primarily individuals with severe disabilities or those requiring medical care. Especially during the pandemic, people with severe disabilities face a high risk of life-threatening danger just by going out. Those with few places for local activities or communities they can join tend to become increasingly isolated. Furthermore, while it is difficult to receive external support, the burden on caregivers also increases.

Therefore, amidst the prolonged period of self-restraint, I have continued to hold online sports events to maintain and improve the physical and mental health of people with severe disabilities and their supporters, and to prevent social isolation. Together with students from my research group, we have worked hard through trial and error to create opportunities for exercise. With each session, these events have become more enjoyable by leveraging the advantages of being online. Online, even those who are bedridden can participate, and diverse participants can connect across regions. Furthermore, there were new realizations, such as how children with autism can participate in sports with peace of mind from home in an environment no different from their daily lives, and how it is easy to engage in and turn into a habit within the home.

Our activities are often categorized under the role of "supporting" in sports, but in reality, I think there are many more people involved because they enjoy it themselves or feel some value in it. Most participants are individuals who find it difficult to verbally say "it's fun" or express their emotions. However, their "mind's eye" gazes steadily at us, always providing us with a new perspective. I want to take the energy I receive from them, put it into the power of sports, and continue to take on challenges so that it leads to the next achievement (sacred flame) even after the Paralympics.