Paralympians Deliver Special Class on 'The Power of Support' to Elementary School Students

Scenes from the previous event held at the same school on October 4, 2024.

The Japan Para Powerlifting Federation (hereinafter referred to as "the Federation") will hold a training camp in Fukushima City from July 3 (Fri) to 5 (Sun), 2026. Eight athletes, including three national record holders, and eight coaches and staff, a total of 16 people, will participate in this camp to improve their athletic performance.

Furthermore, on July 6 (Mon), the day after the camp, an exchange class titled "Experience the Power of Support! ~Learn from Paralympians: The First Step to Courage~" will be held at Arai Elementary School in Fukushima City. This is an experiential class designed to foster the courage to take a step forward by experiencing the power of "supporting others" and "being supported" through para powerlifting.

Background of the Event

The connection between the Federation and Fukushima City was forged by a para powerlifting athlete who was based in Fukushima City. This athlete not only worked hard to promote the sport by inviting training camps, organizing school exchange classes, and holding sports experience events, but also continued activities that led to the development of specialized bench presses for the sport in Fukushima City. Last year, the athlete's passing caused the training camp in Fukushima to be suspended. However, due to the desire of the athletes and staff to "connect this bond to the future," the camp will be held again this year. Among the athletes participating this time are those who worked with the late athlete, as well as developmental athletes who started the sport after experiencing an event in Fukushima. This training camp aims not only to improve athletic performance but also to promote parasports and realize an inclusive society through regional exchange and collaboration with school education.

Training Camp Open Day

Date and Time: July 4 (Sat), 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Venue: NCV Fukushima Arena

Points of Interest:

Powerlifters active in Fukushima City will also participate, fostering exchange through joint training and record challenges, using "strength training" as a common language. This initiative creates opportunities to engage in sports together, transcending differences in ability.

[Main Participating Athletes] - Tomohiro Mitsuse: Competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, eligible for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, national record holder - Hiroko Kiryu: Eligible for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, national record holder - Miwa Naruke: National record holder balancing work, childcare, and competition

Exchange Class

Theme: "Experience the Power of Support! ~Learn from Paralympians: The First Step to Courage~"

Date and Time: July 6, 2026 (Mon)

Venue: Gymnasium of Fukushima City Arai Elementary School

Target Audience:

- 3rd Period (10:30 AM -) 4th Graders - 4th Period (11:15 AM -) 6th Graders

Content: - Para powerlifting experience challenge for all participants - High-weight challenge by Paralympians

As preparatory learning, students will consider "what is support" and create original cheering calls for their respective classes.

On the day, while delivering their cheers to the athletes, they will experience the power of "supporting others" and "being supported," learning how support encourages people to take on challenges.

Instructor: Tomohiro Mitsuse (Affiliated with Executive Protection)

- Competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, eligible for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, national record holder

Scenes from the previous exchange class at Arai Elementary School