'2026 Unlimited Sports Festival' Announced: A 10th-Anniversary Inclusive Event with Theme 'Connect' & Karateka Kiyou Shimizu as Ambassador

The Unlimited Project Promotion Association (Nishi-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Naoya Kitabayashi) will hold the '2026 Unlimited Sports Festival,' a participatory event merging culture, arts, and sports, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Yanmar Stadium Nagai.

### About the Unlimited Sports Festival
Launched in 2017 as the world's first initiative where individuals with and without disabilities compete on the same field under the same rules, this event provides a platform for growth and experience toward an inclusive society. Last year, the festival was held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue, attracting approximately 8,300 visitors. It continues to scale annually through collaborations with corporations, local governments, and regional organizations.

### 10th Anniversary: 10,000 Visitor Goal & New Ambassador
Entering its 10th year (7th edition) in 2026, the festival adopts 'Connect' as its main theme and 'Yattemitemiteyo' (Give it a try, come and see) as its slogan. The goal is to encourage everyone to take a first step and share experiences. This year, world-renowned karateka and Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Kiyou Shimizu has been appointed as the event ambassador. Following her retirement in 2024, Shimizu is dedicated to nurturing the next generation and will help spread the festival's core values.

Last year's event saw two new Japanese national records in women's javelin and participation from Olympic athletes. To build on this success, the 2026 goal is set at 10,000 visitors, providing even more people with the chance to experience unlimited sports.

### Diverse Lineup of Supporters
A dedicated team of supporters will join to energize the event:
- **Sho Tsuyoki (Sign Singer®︎):** Blends sign language with singing to promote an inclusive world.
- **Mako Shibuya (Wheelchair YouTuber):** Shares her life as a wheelchair user after a spinal injury to inspire others.
- **Shinji Horikoshi (Para-athlete):** Marathon runner for NTT West and Tokyo Paralympics bronze medalist.
- **Kohei Kobayashi (Autistic Futsal Player):** Member of FC Barcelona Genuine, active in the intellectual disability league in Spain.

### Event Overview
- **Venue:** Yanmar Stadium Nagai (1-1 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka)
- **Date/Time:** Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- **Program:**
- **Sports:** Athletic meet (sprints, relay, long jump, javelin), e-sports, official Molkky and Boccia tournaments.
- **Culture & Arts:** Opening performance, Universal Dance Festival, Sign Singer stage, 'Cafe with Long Orders,' Unlimited Art, and improvised name-art messaging.
- **Experience:** Interactive sports booths and more.