Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association Joins April Dream to Announce its Dreams for Promoting Normalization in Sports

The Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") has, since its establishment, focused on "achieving normalization in sports" as its core theme, promoting the creation of an environment where everyone can enjoy sports regardless of disability, physical differences, athletic ability, age, or gender. Following the success of the "Seated Beach Volleyball Tournament" held in March 2026, we are pleased to report on our future activities and new initiatives.

For Everyone on the Beach – Creating an Inclusive Environment

The beach is a symbol of summer for many, a place to enjoy sports and leisure. However, the nature of sand has always been a significant barrier for wheelchair users. The Association is actively promoting the development of beach environments where wheelchair users can move safely and freely. Through initiatives such as installing access mats (specialized pathways for sandy beaches) that allow for smooth travel on sand and advocating for facility barrier-free improvements, we aim to realize a society where people with disabilities can access beaches as a matter of course.

Furthermore, for those who find it difficult to access beaches due to geographical or physical reasons, we regularly hold "Urban Special Beach Tournaments" where special beach courts are set up in city plazas and parks. We also contribute to promoting international understanding through sports exchange by inviting overseas teams to these events as international goodwill tournaments. By providing opportunities for people who cannot go to the beach to experience the excitement and fun of beach volleyball in the city, we are broadening the base of sports spectatorship.

First "Seated Beach Volleyball Tournament" – A Historic Step in Para-Deaf Collaboration

In March 2026, in collaboration with the Japan Para Volleyball Association, our Association hosted the first-ever Para-Deaf collaborative "Seated Beach Volleyball Tournament" in Japan. This tournament is a groundbreaking initiative that transcends the boundaries of Deaf sports (sports for the hearing impaired) and parasports.

Seated beach volleyball is a sport where players compete with their hips on the sand. This format embodies normalization in the following ways:

・Competition is possible under the same rules regardless of disability.

・Playing while seated significantly reduces differences in height and physique.

・Differences in athletic ability are less likely to determine the outcome, allowing teamwork and strategy to shine.

・Mixed teams transcending gender and age can be naturally formed.

In this tournament, Deaf athletes with hearing impairments and para-athletes with physical disabilities competed fiercely on the same court. Participants expressed sentiments such as, "It's wonderful to be able to work towards the same goal beyond disability," and "I felt both the excitement of the sport and the joy of playing together." We are considering making this a regular event and expanding it nationwide.

For the Future of Children – Operation of Child Development Support and After-School Day Services

Beyond sports competitions, the Association also operates "Child Development Support" and "After-School Day Services" for children with developmental disabilities. Therapeutic exercise (movement therapy) through sports is known to be effective not only for improving physical abilities but also for developing communication skills and social skills.

At our facilities, we implement a movement therapy program that incorporates a sports science perspective, under the guidance of Professor Hitoshi Hirose from the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University. Professor Hirose specializes in sports science and supports child development through a scientific approach. Through such collaborations, we are working to provide opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to engage in exercise on par with typically developing children.

Future Outlook

The Association will further develop the following activities to promote normalization in sports throughout Japan:

① Nationwide expansion and internationalization of the Seated Beach Volleyball Tournament

② Advocacy and promotion activities for accessible beach access for wheelchairs

③ Continued hosting of international goodwill tournaments with urban special beaches

④ Enhancement and expansion of Child Development Support and After-School Day Services

Sports have the power to connect people, not divide them. The Association will continue to strive towards the realization of "a society where everyone can enjoy sports." We appreciate your continued support and cooperation.

【Association Overview】

Organization Name: General Incorporated Association Japan Deaf Beach Volleyball Association

Location: 1-1-2 Takao, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, 870-0873

Purpose of Establishment: Promotion of Deaf beach volleyball and realization of normalization in sports

Contact: [email protected]

(Collaborating Institutions) Japan Para Volleyball Association, Waseda University Faculty of Sport Sciences, Professor Hitoshi Hirose's Laboratory