抄録
It is difficult to find a comprehensive textbook in Japanese on the Special Olympics which can be used as a starting point for further academic studies on various aspects of the Special Olympics, although there exist some books based on the personal experiences of participants or journalistic interviews with participants, and some articles on particular problems related to the Special Olympics such as the effects of sports activities on the health of children with intellectual disabilities.
In view of this, and for the purpose of comparing the Special Olympics with the
Paralympics, The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center’s Paralympic Research Group has carried out research on various aspects of the Special Olympics which can be used as a basis both to increase public knowledge on the Special Olympics and to lay the ground in Japan for encouraging further academic studies on this subject.
The research is composed of the following eight parts:
(1) Origin of the Special Olympics
(2) How the Special Olympics Movement Started in Japan
(3) Social Significance of the Special Olympics
(4) Criteria for Participation, Sports and Features of Events
(5) Organization and Finance
(6) Effects and Impacts
(7) Wider Social Impacts
(8) Current Problems and Tasks for the Future
