Social integration for people with mental disorders through sports ; sports events and their structuring in Saitama prefecture

Abstract

The two pillars of the activities of the Saitama Mental Health and Welfare Association are the promotion of mental health and the participation of people with mental disorders in society. With regard to the participation of people with mental disorders in society, the Association supports social integration through sports. Since it was first established, the Association has held softball tournaments and table tennis tournaments. Later, it was involved in the spread of volleyball through the prefecture and implementation of a prefectural tournament. At present, a grant-in-aid is being used to implement a ground golf tournament and promote its diffusion. The Association is also engaged in support for futsal. People with mental disorders need medical, health and social welfare support, and also individualized support for participation in society. For such people with mental disorders, sports can provide support for a range of social participation activities. In Saitama prefecture, sports events are structured in a way appropriate to the situation of people with mental disorders. Sports can also be used in the comprehensive rehabilitation of people with mental disorders.