Moving towards Tokyo 2020: Sport as Vehicle of Social Inclusion

The article aims to outline the universal design model in sport extending its effect to inclusivity in the broader society. The analysis departs from data on the vulnerable population that is often at the border of society to take into account Japanese context. Then, considering that Japan will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, the study will look at the experiences of the previous hosting cities and at the challenges that those cities had to meet. In this regard, the study individuates in the concept of Universal Design that promotes social inclusion of others, of the environment, and of diversity – a model that encourages dialogues and relationships among the diverse populations, private organizations, and government. This model of Universal Design in Sport not only would help Japan avoid having the same issues that other countries had in organizing their Games, but would also, on the basis the cultural values such as Omotenashi, promote inclusivity beyond sports. The amelioration of relationships among diverse populations that will derive from the social integration obtained through the adoption of the Universal Design model would also foster the transmission of the necessary knowledge for building a lasting legacy for future generations.