The Nippon Foundation’s Research Group on the Paralympics (RGP)

In the process of the preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is important for Japan to pay special attention to the Paralympics, as Japan currently faces social welfare issues stemming from a demographic problem of an aging society.

The 2020 Paralympics are also an opportunity to widen and deepen socio-political consciousness on the importance of positive participation and integration of disabled people for the dynamic process of economic development in Asia.

It is also timely to assess the present state of the Paralympics and to reflect further on its ideals and future tasks, as problems associated with international sports events have begun to affect the Paralympics as well as the Olympics.

On this basis, we have decided to form a study group on the Paralympics in order to: a) compile necessary data bases; b) research international trends in the Paralympics; c) identify existing problems and tasks ahead; and d) make some suggestions for the preparation of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

The RGP is expected to complete its work within approximately two years.

The RGP is headed by its Director (Mr. Kazuo Ogoura, former Secretary General of the Council of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Paralympic Bid Committee) and is composed of staff members of the Sasakawa Sports Foundation as well as several research fellows.

The Group will have as advisors various experts on disabled sports policies as well as on the Paralympic and Olympic Movements.

In the process of the research, we expect to hold discussion panels and international workshops.

For the initial stage, the study will focus mainly on the following three dimensions:

Director of the RGP