### 7. Promotion of coordination and cooperation between top sport and sport in local areas with the aim of creating a virtuous cycle in the sport world

## Policy Goal

Towards the creation of a virtuous cycle in the sport world to develop top sport and to expand participation in sport, promoting coordination and cooperation between top sport and sport in local areas.

## (1) Promotion of coordination and cooperation between top sport and sport in local areas

• Establish a virtuous cycle in which next-generation athletes are scouted and fostered from community sport and athletes return to their communities as community sport instructors

• Support the deploying of outstanding instructors to hub clubs, visiting and instructing at other clubs and schools nearby

• Enlighten top athletes on “dual careers” $ ^{*} $ and promote scholarships and other support for their career formation

• Support dispatching programs for Coordinators for Physical Education Activities at Elementary School

## (2) Cooperation in community sport with private companies and universities

• Promote sport medicine and science research, personnel exchanges, public access to facilities and community development by utilizing sport through coordination and cooperation among local governments, private companies and universities

• Promote initiatives to utilize the research outcomes, human resources of universities, etc. concerning models that enable people with and without disabilities to participate in sports at the same venues and measures to prevent sport-related impediments and injuries

Photo courtesy of Crenca Sports Academy (NPO)

© Sachiko Hodaka

* “Dual careers” refers to the approach of maintaining environments necessary to support the performance and training needed for top athletes while providing them with provident education and occupational training needed for post-retirement careers

## I V

## Considerations for the Comprehensive and Systematic Promotion of These Policies

## (1) Facilitation of public understanding and participation

The national government, incorporated administrative agencies, local governments and sport organizations endeavor to deepen public interest and understanding in sport, promote public participation in and support for sport activities.

## (2) Systematic and integrated promotion through coordination and cooperation amongst those involved in sport

Expectations run high for the autonomous coordination and cooperation of sport organizations and other entities. In addition, in accordance with the stipulations of the Basic Act on Sport, the national government shall liaise and coordinate on the Sport Promotion Committee with the relevant administrative bodies, review the modality of administrative organization including establishment of a Sport Agency and implement necessary measures. At local governments, there are hopes for stronger links between executive organs, boards of education and other organizations that have jurisdiction over sport.

## (3) Securing financial resources to promote and utilizing them efficiently

The national government shall strive to expand the budget, as well as to introduce and utilize private sector resources. In addition, the Sport Promotion Lottery System shall be utilized effectively by expanding earnings through improvements in its sales performance and business operation.

## (4) Assessment and revision of the Sport Basic Plan

Progress shall be constantly verified during the term of the Plan, and this shall be reflected in improvements when the next plan is formulated. Methods and indicators to check and evaluate the Plan's progress and the impact of policy measures are to be developed.