14 Monday September 11, 2017 Vientiane Times Athletes from get lift from champion coach ahead of ASEAN Para Games Athletes from across South-East including Laos are set to converge on the Malaysian capital for the ASEAN Para Games from September 17-23. Helping Lao disabled athletes to grasp opportunities and pursue dreams is the passion and expertise of experienced trainers, NGO Asian Development with the Disabled Persons (ADDP) plus support and experience from via JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).

Powerlifting theory and practice sees Takeshi Jo leading by example at workshop. Young athlete practices her technique under guidance from coach Takeshi Jo.

n as in life, need not be an impediment to participation and success and economic life, be it in employment or recreation. This “no charity but a chance’ with the skills developed through practice, passion, perseverance along with an mindset continues to bring positive results today in Japan and worldwide including Iopportunity to break through barriers. developing countries like Laos. This realization will be foremost once again at the region’s preeminent Nakamura’s vision and untiring efforts led to the establishment of the Far East and meet in the form of the ASEAN Para Games this month. The games will welcome South Pacifi c Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) Games, the forerunner of the Asian intense competition, considered a critical step on the path to qualifying for next year’s Para Games as well as the Oita Marathon that remains among the premier and on to the 2020 . events in parasports worldwide. A proponent of the liberating power of sport for people of all ages and abilities is Born in 1960, the same year as Nakamura’s studies in the UK and US, 57-year- experienced parasports power lifter and coach Takashi Jo, 57. He visited the Southeast old Jo has achieved signifi cant success in sport, career and life. A former national Asian nation of Laos recently to lead a Power Lifting Training Workshop for Trainers champion and current record holder in his division, he was among the fi rst generation and Parasports Athletes to help prepare powerlifters for KL. of parasports’ athletes from Japan to benefi t from Dr Nakamura’s work. With Lao athletes, he shared both technical skills and passion for the sport he This means taking time out from his work in corporate social responsibility developed during rehabilitation from a motorcycle accident that left him without the (CSR) for tech manufacturer Omron Taiyo, a company recognized for its inclusive use of his legs. His path led him to become a national champion and record holder in policies with an award from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Thanks his division. to his skill, passion and employer’s active support, Jo is well prepared to share his This contribution comes via the Para Promotion Project 2016-2021, techniques and advice with athletes and trainers for the development of sport for bringing together local partners under the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports tomorrow’s champions. along with Japanese non-governmental organisation (NGO) Asian Development with Such know-how is in growing demand in Laos where depending on location the Disabled Persons (ADDP). and circumstances, a disability may lead to a life on the margins where social skills Working closely with athletes, trainers and authorities in Laos, ADDP is helping to and physical capacities have few chances to develop. “Most people understand that cultivate participation in the country based on more than half a century of know-how. everyone has a particular talent or ability and is sometimes just seeking the right Together with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and opportunity to motivate and develop themselves. What people need is access,” Jo funding from the Government of Japan, ADDP is working to help Laos become a advises. regional model of best practice in parasports. It does so by facilitating assistance in Among benefi ciaries is 29-year-old competitor Pia, a Lao national team member capacity building for athletes, trainers and administrators in swimming, wheelchair from Vientiane province whose spinal condition permits him to walk only with the aid , for the blind, and . of . This has not been a barrier to excellence in the sport, having represented Under expert guidance, the Lao lifters learned theory and then put it into practice Laos in Rio 2016 and fi nishing a respectable 6th place in his division. on a week of warm June days in the tropical climate of Vientiane, not dissimilar to “There were many experienced competitors. I was nervous because they looked those experienced in Jo’s hometown of Beppu in Japan’s Oita prefecture. pretty strong,” Pia said. “At the same time, I was also happy and very proud to Recognised for restorative hot springs, cultural richness and culinary delights from represent my country, and felt a great responsibility to do my best.” both land and sea, Oita can also boast of being Japan’s birthplace of parasports. It While Paralympic competition at is high among aspirations, the athlete is maintains relationships across the region and regularly hosts Lao athletes and trainers maintaining his focus on the contest in Kuala Lumpur and onward to the 2018 Asian to prepare for major meets. Para Games in , . Oita is also home to leading Japanese socially-focused enterprises Taiyo-no-Ie Pia also expressed appreciation for generous contributions and coaching expertise (Japan Sun Industries) which prioritises employment and training opportunities for lent by Jo, his senior. “I have never trained with a Japanese coach before, so I want disabled persons. to what I have learnt to the situation here in Laos and share my experience with It was here where the seeds of the movement fi rst sprouted thanks to the efforts of the younger athletes here.” a famed local son, the late Dr Yutaka Nakamura. Founding father of the parasports by Steven A Cleary concept in Japan, the then young doctor was instrumental in carrying on the revolutionary ideas and lessons from post-WWII Britain pioneered by Sir , the German neurologist who established the Stoke Mandeville Games, precursor to the Paralympics. Back in Japan, this message was spread, bringing sports and rehabilitation into treatment. The successful efforts were instrumental in convincing health authorities and policymakers to lend increased support to participation. This, in turn, was a major contributor to the success of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 1964, the second time for these Games to be held under the title. With substantial evidence, Dr Nakamura convinced policymakers that people with ought to be encouraged and supported to maximise involvement in social