On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the "3rd Tokyo Metropolitan Special Support School Baseball5 Experience Exchange Event" was held at the Matase Gymnasium on J. F. Oberlin University Machida Campus. This ongoing initiative hosted by our university's College of Health and Welfare brought together about 30 high school students from Tokyo Metropolitan Special Needs Schools (Higashikurume, Hamura), expanding a circle of smiling exchanges through sports.
■ A powerful cheer dance that united the entire venue
The dazzling opening of Events was a cheer dance performed by seven members from the dance school "Ange∞T," composed of members with Down syndrome. The well-synchronized opening performance warmly enveloped the venue, raising participants' anticipation for the upcoming experience event to its peak.
■ Experience the joy and excitement of 'Baseball 5'
Next up was an experience session and friendly matches of "Baseball5," a new generation urban sport that our university was the first in Japan to introduce as a regular subject and club activity. "Baseball5" requires no special equipment such as bats or gloves, and is played with just a rubber ball, making it a sport that everyone can enjoy together, regardless of age, gender, or disability.
With direct support from the university's Baseball Club 5 and members of the Japanese national team, the high school students quickly absorbed the basic movements and rules. Mixed teams of university students and students from other schools played exciting games, and high-fives were exchanged throughout the venue, along with shouts of joy and excitement filled with a sense of accomplishment.
■ Obirin as a place for practical application: a hub for growth
This exchange event not only provided the participating high school students with an opportunity to experience playing a new sport, but also served as a valuable learning experience for our university students.
College of Health and Welfare students and members of the Baseball Division 5 and dance circle practiced their daily learning while providing detailed support to Events management, hosting, and participants. Learning practically while interacting with many people also leads to significant growth for the students themselves.
J. F. Oberlin University will continue to value and foster connections between people through sports, contributing as an open university that walks together with the local community and society.
