Japan Goalball Association Signs First Municipal Partnership Agreement with Toyohashi City

The Japan Goalball Association (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Michiko Kajimoto) is pleased to announce the signing of a "Partnership Agreement for the Promotion of Para-sports between Toyohashi City and the Japan Goalball Association" with Toyohashi City (Aichi Prefecture; Mayor: Naoto Nagasaka). This marks the first time the Japan Goalball Association has entered into a partnership agreement with a local government in Japan, with Toyohashi City being the pioneer. The impetus for this agreement was the selection of Toyohashi City as a venue for goalball competitions at the Asian Para Games, scheduled for October 2026. Moving forward, the Japan Goalball Association and Toyohashi City will collaborate to promote para-sports, particularly goalball, create opportunities for participation, and disseminate information. Through these efforts, they aim to foster an environment where everyone can enjoy sports anytime, anywhere, and advance the realization of an inclusive society. Goalball is a para-sport developed for people with visual impairments, a game fought with "sound" and "silence." Beyond the inherent appeal of the sport itself, it holds significant potential as a catalyst for understanding disabilities and achieving an inclusive society. With the goalball competition of the Asian Para Games being held in Toyohashi City in October 2026, the Japan Goalball Association decided to sign its first individual partnership agreement with a local government to promote para-sports and an inclusive society in the region. This agreement represents a new first step for the Japan Goalball Association as a competitive organization to expand the base of para-sports while collaborating with local communities.

- Sharing and disseminating information regarding goalball and para-sports - Organizing experience events and workshops, and collaborating on public relations - Collaboration, guidance, and advice on regional policies and events related to promoting an inclusive society and diversity Using the initiative with Toyohashi City as a model case for its first municipal partnership, the Japan Goalball Association plans to expand its collaborations with local governments and regional organizations nationwide, promoting the creation of sports communities centered on goalball. We aim to create a new model for the promotion of para-sports and the realization of an inclusive society, and to expand its reach nationwide.