Para Sports Day

What Is Para Sports Day?

August 25th is "Para Sports Day" (Para Supotsu no Hi) in Japan. Established by ASSC (Adapted Sports Support Center), an Osaka-based nonprofit, and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association, the day aims to build a society where everyone can enjoy sports, regardless of disability.

A Date Tied to the Original Tokyo Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Para Sports Day exists to deepen understanding of para sports and to share their appeal with a wider audience.

• Origin: The date corresponds to August 25th, when the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games had originally been scheduled to take place. (The Games were postponed a year due to COVID-19 and opened on August 24, 2021, which is now "Japan Paralympic Day.")
• Established by: ASSC (Adapted Sports Support Center), a nonprofit organization based in Osaka.
• Purpose: To promote para sports and raise understanding and interest in adaptive athletics.

Toward a Society Where Everyone Can Play

Para sports feature ingenious adaptations tailored to each athlete's needs — prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, and audible balls for visually impaired players, to name a few. Beyond their thrilling competition, they offer a chance to reflect on building a society that values diversity.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Learn about different para sports and their rules
• Look back at memorable moments from past Paralympic Games
• Find a para sports experience event happening near you
• Talk with someone close to you about diversity in sports

Challenges That Push Limits Inspire Us All

Para Sports Day is a day to share in the appeal of sports across the boundaries of ability. On August 25th, take a moment to look at the spirit of challenge that para sports embody.