Para-athlete Yuya Toda visited a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture on the 9th and called on the students to find out what they are good at and open the way.
This initiative, "Tomorrow! Junior Academy," has been carried out by the Nippon Foundation Parasports Support Center all over Japan for four years in order to deepen the understanding of a symbiotic society that respects individuality regardless of disabilities. ..
On the 9th, Yuya Toda (40), who is engaged in para-powerlifting and wheelchair curling, visited Kukihigashi Junior High School in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture, and gave a lecture to about 70 first-year students.
In this, Mr. Toda said, "I was depressed for a long time because of my disability, but when I was doing my favorite sport, I found a way. I want everyone to try a lot and find what they are good at."
The students then deepened their understanding of disabilities through a game of playing rock-paper-scissors with their eyes closed, and shared ideas about what to do if they saw people with disabilities in their eyes or ears.
The female student who participated said, "I was able to know that one event could change."
Mr. Toda said, "Even if you have a disability, the world will change just by taking a step. I want to convey that I want you to take on many challenges with the desire to do it."