The popularization and normalization of futsal for the mentally disabled persons who live in community

Abstract

We launched Saitama-Campione with the objective of promoting health, improving the quality of life, and improving the social participation of mentally handicapped persons through futsal.

At the beginning, we emphasized the entertainment aspect of futsal, but after many discussions, we shifted our emphasis to competition. At the time of this transition, the players started showing more competitiveness. They became less rigid, and atmosphere became less stuffy.

According to a survey conducted on a tournament day, the players wrote their wishes and appreciation to the staff in more legible handwriting. The result also shows that when the players are more concerned with winning, rather than playing just for fun, they are more likely to participate in the tournaments of their own free will, and participation helped them make more friends.

Competitive sports are being recognized as a psychosocial treatment for the increased self-esteem via recognition by others and successful experiences. Henceforth, I hope to help mentally handicapped persons realize a more normalized life while validating the evidence scientifically.