Everyone Connects, Spreading the Circle of Diversity Across Japan #April Dream

Our organization endorses April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day for announcing dreams. This press release is the dream of "General Incorporated Association Sports of Heart."

The General Incorporated Association Sports of Heart (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / https://s-heart.org/) started in 2012 with the philosophy of "aiming for a diverse society that transcends the boundaries between able-bodied individuals and people with disabilities."

■ Realizing the Dream, Its Background

Sports of Heart held its first event in 2012 at Ebisu Garden Place in Tokyo. From the following year, it has annually hosted events centered on at venues such as Yoyogi Gymnasium, Yoyogi Park Event Plaza, and surrounding elementary schools, allowing participants to experience diversity. From 2017, Oita Prefecture, Oita City, became the first regional host. In 2025, new venues will be added: Ginza, Tokyo in April; Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture in May; and EXPO Arena within the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue in September. Through these events, the circle of diversity has been shared both domestically and internationally with many performers and visitors.

■ Initiatives for Diversity

The is a symbolic program of Sports of Heart that has garnered significant attention. Approximately 80 runners, including wheelchair runners, athletes, disabled runners, elementary school students, talents, and general runners, form teams and pass a sash with one heart, conveying a message of diversity.

It was selected as a momentum-building program for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Last year, the Diversity Ekiden was held for the first time in Ginza Chuo-dori and Ube City, receiving cheers from many people.

■ Future Plans

The first event in 2026, "SPORTS of HEART 2026 in Oita," will feature the main program "Diversity Ekiden," as well as "Para Sports Experience" and "e-Sports Experience." The venue will be filled with smiles as all participants, both with and without disabilities, cooperate and compete.

An event where everyone, regardless of age, gender, or disability, can enjoy together...

It is our dream to continue expanding the circle of diversity and connect with many people.

＜Contact for this matter＞

General Incorporated Association Sports of Heart

Contact: Yumi Uchida Official Website: https://s-heart.org/

TEL: 03-5784-3322 FAX: 03-5784-3036 Mail: uchida@s-heart.org