JWSC: Olympic Medalist Ryusei Yamada and Another Student Selected for the 'FY2026 Olympic Athlete Activity Support' Program

The International Snowboard & Skateboard College (abbreviated as JWSC, located in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture), a member of the NSG Group, is pleased to announce that two of its current students, Ryusei Yamada (Board Sports Business / University Course, 1st year) and Rio Ishida (Snowboard Department Top Athlete Course, 2nd year), have been selected as 'FY2026 Olympic Athlete Activity Support Target Athletes' by the Niigata Prefecture Sports Association.

Ryusei Yamada at the World Cup in January 2026 (SAJ FY2026 Approval No. 00170)

This system aims to provide support for athletes who are expected to participate in future Olympic Games and achieve success in international competitions, with the goal of improving their competitive capabilities and preparing their activity environment.

Ryusei Yamada, who was selected this time, won a bronze medal in the Snowboard Men's Halfpipe at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, and is a top athlete who has already achieved proven results on the world stage.

In addition, Rio Ishida is steadily improving her competitive abilities in international competitions, having placed 3rd at the Junior Regional Cup HELVETIA CROSS TOUR 2026 held in Switzerland in January 2026.

Both students are working to further improve their competitive skills while balancing their athletic activities and academic studies. With the support of this system, they are expected to make even greater leaps in world competitions in the future.

Our school not only develops competitive sports centered on snowboarding and skateboarding but also provides education that anticipates athletes' career formation and success in the business domain. We will continue to strive to develop student-athletes and enrich the competitive environment.

■ Selected Student Profiles

Name: Ryusei Yamada
Hometown: Sapporo City, Hokkaido
School: International Snowboard & Skateboard College
Department: Board Sports Business / University Course, 2nd Year
Affiliation: Vocational School JWSC
Event: Snowboard Halfpipe (SB-HP)
Results:
- Dec 2023 World Cup 2nd Race SB-HP 5th
- Feb 2024 Youth Olympics SB-HP 3rd
- Dec 2024 World Cup 1st Race SB-HP 3rd
- Feb 2025 World Cup 4th Race SB-HP 3rd
- Dec 2025 The Snow League 2nd Race 3rd
- Dec 2025 World Cup 1st Race SB-HP 5th
- Dec 2025 World Cup 2nd Race SB-HP 1st
- Feb 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics SB-HP 3rd
- Feb 2026 The Snow League 3rd Race 1st
- Mar 2026 The Snow League 4th Race 1st
- 2026 The Snow League Annual Overall Ranking 2nd
(SAJ FY2026 Approval No. 00174)

Name: Rio Ishida
Hometown: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
School: International Snowboard & Skateboard College
Department: Snowboard Department Top Athlete Course, 2nd Year
Affiliation: Vocational School JWSC
Event: Snowboard Cross (SBX)
Results:
- Aug 2025 Australian SBX Championships and JNR Series 3rd
- Jan 2026 Junior Regional Cup HELVETIA CROSS TOUR 2026 3rd

About JWSC International Snowboard & Skateboard College

JWSC International Snowboard & Skateboard College opened in 1999 and has since produced 5 Winter Olympic athletes and 62 JSBA-certified professional snowboarders. We implement specialized education by experienced instructors in an optimal environment and facility for learning board sports. In the snowboarding field, we implement a practical curriculum centered on on-snow training for about 6 months of the year. To date, we have produced 5 Winter Olympic participating athletes and 62 professional snowboarders. In the skateboarding field, we have an educational partnership with the JSF Japan Skateboarding Federation and have fully equipped a street and park section in the on-campus facility 'JWSC Skateboarding Lab,' providing an environment where students can focus on competition.

In addition, our school has many students who begin to engage in competition seriously after enrolling, and we provide guidance tailored to each individual's level and goals. While acquiring not only improved competitive capabilities but also the practical skills required in the board sports industry, such as industry understanding, self-management, and leadership skills, students can aim to become professional athletes or find employment in the industry.

Furthermore, we plan to open a new department, the 'Board Sports Business Department (3-year program)' in April 2027. In this department, we aim to develop human resources who can play an active role in diverse fields by comprehensively learning the four board sports of snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, and wakeboarding.