Children Who Participated Become Japan Representatives for the 2025 Deaflympics | Next, They Will Support the Next Generation as Staff – "Deaf Sports Festival," a 10-Year Running Exchange for Children with Hearing Impairments, Receives Grant Award

General Incorporated Association DeafNoba (Osaka, Representative Director: Yuka Okamatsu) is pleased to announce that its sports exchange project for deaf children, the "Deaf Sports Festival Expansion Project," has been selected for the "2025 Community Sports Promotion Grant Program (Advance Course)" by the Sumitomo Life Health Foundation. This project will receive a total grant of 2.94 million JPY over two years, with 1.33 million JPY in the first year and 1.61 million JPY in the second.

The Deaf Sports Festival, initiated in Osaka in 2013, is a sports exchange event born from the personal experience of Yuka Takahashi, who is deaf. Takahashi was once denied participation in sports activities due to concerns about her hearing aids being hit by balls, which inspired her to start this initiative to reduce such experiences for other children.

Children with hearing impairments often have limited opportunities to meet peers and role models in their communities. The Deaf Sports Festival, planned and operated from the perspective of those with lived experience, has evolved into a continuous exchange platform where deaf athletes from across the country can directly interact with children.

This marks the 8th iteration of the event, approaching its 10th anniversary (with a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic). Notably, some children who participated in their youth have since continued their sports and have been selected as Japan representatives for the 2025 Deaflympics. These athletes are now returning as operational staff to engage with the next generation. The festival also fosters connections beyond local regions, with participants coming from outside the prefecture. A key feature of the Deaf Sports Festival is the creation of a cycle where participants grow and eventually return to support the event.

The upcoming event is expected to host approximately 50 participants on the first day and 30 on the second. It will feature multiple sports organizations, offering experiences in rugby, karate, dance, table tennis, volleyball, soccer, badminton, cycling, taekwondo, basketball, and more. By interacting directly with top-level athletes, including Sumitomo Denso Co., Ltd. athlete employment staff and Deaflympic medalists, the event aims to inspire children to pursue their own sporting aspirations.

Furthermore, the festival serves as a "training ground" for planning and operations. Deaf students and high school students participate as operational staff, acting as relatable role models for the younger children. This hands-on experience in planning and management contributes to the development of future leaders. The Deaf Sports Festival thus functions not only as a sports experience but also as a learning environment where participants can actively engage and broaden their future options.

During the grant period, DeafNoba will focus on hosting the Deaf Sports Festival, expanding local sports exchanges through "Mini Deaf Sports," fostering deaf students and young staff, and strengthening public relations and information dissemination. Through this project, DeafNoba aims to build a sustainable community where children can dream and their experiences can connect to the next generation.

For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact: General Incorporated Association DeafNoba, Representative Director: Yuka Okamatsu, Public Relations/Contact Person: Yuka Takahashi, Email: contact@deafnoba.com, Official HP: https://deafnoba.com/. Media coverage is welcome; please contact the above for arrangements. Keywords: Deaf Sports Festival, hearing impairment, Deaflympics, sports exchange, support for children with disabilities, inclusive sports, deaf people, social contribution, role model, Sumisei.