Special Olympics Nippon Foundation and S.C.P. Japan Enter into Partnership Agreement

S.C.P. Japan (Representative: Yuyuko Inoue) has entered into a partnership agreement with the Special Olympics Nippon Foundation (hereinafter referred to as "SON") (Director General: Takuaki Hiraoka) with the aim of realizing safe sports where everyone can enjoy themselves with peace of mind and safety, regardless of disability.

Through this agreement, we will work to promote safeguarding, including the prevention and appropriate response to harassment and abuse in sports settings, and improve the quality of the sports environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We will also build a system of mutual cooperation and collaboration, leveraging the strengths of each organization's knowledge, networks, and resources.

[Cooperation Matters]

Dissemination, awareness-raising, and information sharing (e-learning, etc.) regarding safe sports and safeguarding for athletes, unified partners, coaches, volunteers, staff, etc.

Research and development related to safe sports and safeguarding, and the promotion of safe sports for people with intellectual disabilities.

Implementation of lectures, training, etc. for athletes, coaches, and related parties.

Other cooperation and collaboration necessary for achieving the objectives of this agreement.

Furthermore, as part of this partnership agreement, with the support of The Nippon Foundation (*1), we have developed e-learning materials that allow coaches and others involved in coaching children and adult athletes with intellectual disabilities to learn the basics of safeguarding.

(*1) S.C.P. Japan, with support from The Nippon Foundation, has been working on the "Project to Build a Child Protection (Safeguarding) System in Sports" since April 2025. This project aims to create a practical safeguarding system in Japanese sports settings, drawing on international knowledge such as the "Consensus Statement on Interpersonal Violence and Safeguarding in Sport" released by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2024, and safeguarding-related materials published by the International Football Federation (FIFA) (FIFA Guardians).

Development of e-learning "Safeguarding Basics Course for Children and Athletes <Intellectual Disability Edition>"

This e-learning course covers:

Basic concepts of safeguarding Children's rights and needs

Being a trusted adult

What constitutes abuse and inappropriate behavior

Organizational initiatives

In addition to these basic safeguarding topics, it specifically addresses:

Risks easily faced by children and adult athletes with intellectual disabilities

Actions that adults should take

allowing for systematic learning.

Website URL: https://scpjapan.online-learning.jp/

This e-learning will be publicly available on the Safe Sport Learning site operated by S.C.P. Japan from July 2026. Through collaboration with SON, we are also proceeding with its rollout to coaches, staff, volunteers, and others.

* SON coach license holders will be provided with separate instructions on how to take the course by the SON Secretariat after October 2026. Those eligible will be able to take the course free of charge by following the instructions from the SON Secretariat.

Comments

[Takuaki Hiraoka, Director General, Special Olympics Nippon Foundation]

I am greatly encouraged by the conclusion of this partnership agreement with S.C.P. Japan. S.C.P. Japan has cooperated with us through training and lectures, and with this agreement as an opportunity, we will further promote initiatives such as awareness-raising and training regarding safe sports and safeguarding, and contribute to creating an environment where all stakeholders involved in Special Olympics, including athletes, can participate in sports with peace of mind and safety.

S.C.P. Japan

S.C.P. Japan's vision is to "create a future where everyone can live life to the fullest through sports," and we are developing inclusive sports events and educational programs across the country. Through this agreement with SON, we will promote new initiatives towards creating an environment where everyone, regardless of disability, can fully enjoy the benefits of sports in a safe and secure environment.

Official Website: https://scpjapan.com/

<Contact Information>

S.C.P. Japan Representative: Inoue/Kawaii

148-2-6F, Kashiwanoha Campus 178-4 Wakashiba, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture 277-8520

TEL: 090-9974-1012

MAIL: info@scpjapan.com